On January 7th at around 9 am, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County, Shigatse City, Tibet, with a depth of 10 kilometers. Many houses near the epicenter collapsed, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center. The Chinese authorities have reported that the earthquake has resulted in 53 deaths and 62 injuries so far.
The epicenter of the earthquake was reported to be near Cuoguo Township in Dingri County, with an estimated permanent population of around 10,700 within a 10-kilometer radius from the epicenter. As of 12:30 pm on the 7th, the earthquake in Dingri County has claimed at least 53 lives and left 62 people injured to varying degrees, with over a thousand houses damaged, affecting three townships in Dingri County – Changsuo Township, Quluo Township, and Cuoguo Township.
Tibet Autonomous Region has already activated a level two response.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) stated that the earthquake near Tibet, China, measured 7.1 in magnitude. It is currently unknown whether the magnitude will be revised up or down.
According to a netizen named “Traveling on Foot,” the earthquake occurred at 9:02 am, a time when “most people were still asleep.”
Online videos show collapsed houses and walls scattered around the streets, with rubble everywhere, vehicles damaged, and large groups of people seeking refuge outside, afraid to return indoors.
A resident of Dingri County told Red Star News that the earthquake was very strong, with intense shaking causing objects on tables to fall to the ground, prompting people to flee to the streets for safety. After the earthquake, Dingri County was left without power.
According to the China Earthquake Early Warning Network, as of 10 am on the 7th, there have been multiple aftershocks in the area, including five aftershocks measuring above magnitude 3 and the largest aftershock measuring 4.4, located approximately 18 kilometers from the epicenter.