Rescue workers are searching for survivors after a major earthquake killed dozens of people and damaged more than 1,000 buildings in a remote region of Tibet, near Everest.
- At least 126 people were killed, with another 188 injured, after the earthquake hit the foothills of the Himalayas at around 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT) on Tuesday, according to Chinese state media.
- A large-scale rescue operation was launched, with survivors under additional pressure as temperatures were predicted to fall as low as -16C (3.2F) overnight.
- Earthquakes are common in the region, which lies on a major geological fault line, but Tuesday’s was one of China’s deadliest in recent years.
The magnitude 7.1 quake, which struck at a depth of 10 kilometres (six miles), according to data from the US Geological Survey, was also felt in Nepal and parts of India, which neighbour Tibet.
- Chinese state media reported the earthquake as having a slightly lesser magnitude of 6.8, causing “obvious” tremors and leading to the damage of more than 1,000 houses.
- The Chinese air force has launched rescue efforts and drones to the affected area.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has also called for all-out search and rescue efforts to minimise casualties and resettle affected residents.
