Massive earthquake in Tibet kills over hundred, causes widespread devastation

way2barak, January 7: Multiple earthquakes shook Tibet on Tuesday morning causing widespread devastation. According to the National Centre for Seismology, the first 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Xizang, near the Nepal-Tibet border, at 6:35 am.

Two more earthquakes struck the region later in the morning. One of magnitude 4.7 was recorded at 7:02 am IST while another of magnitude 4.9 occurred at 7:07 am IST. As per the official Xinhua News, at least 126 people were killed while several others were injured.

The epicentre of the quake was located where the Indian and Eurasia tectonic plates clash and cause uplifts in the Himalayan mountains strong enough to change the heights of some of the world’s tallest peaks.

Hundreds of people were reported to have been buried under the debris after which rescue efforts were started. While many were rescued several others died.

Jolts were felt across Nepal and parts of India’s Bihar and UP. Due to strong tremors people rushed out of their houses.

The average altitude in the area around the epicentre of the quake is about 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), as per the Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. It also said that there were a few communities within 5 kilometres (3 miles) of the epicentre. The epicentre was 380 KM (240 miles) from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and about 23 KM (14 miles) from the region’s second-largest city of Xigaze.