A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Tibetan region early Tuesday, triggering a widespread search and rescue operation. Preliminary reports confirm at least 53 fatalities, with the death toll expected to rise. The quake, centered in Tingri County, Xigaze City, shook neighboring areas including Nepal, Bhutan, and India.
The earthquake, which occurred at 9:05 AM local time, registered a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. The epicenter lay in a rural Tibetan county, acting as a gateway to the Everest region. While the US Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 7.1, China's earthquake monitoring center recorded a lower magnitude of 6.8.
Rescue efforts are underway to locate any survivors trapped in the aftermath of the quake's devastation. The extent of damage across the region is still being assessed.
