Tibet Earthquake: Death Toll Rises to 95; Chinese Military Deploys Drone to Assess Situation (UPDATE)

95 people have been confirmed dead, and 130 others injured as of 15:00 on Tuesday, after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri county in the city of Xigaze in Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, according to a press conference held on Tuesday, Xinhua reported. 2: 07 (Local Time)

The death toll from a devastating earthquake that struck Dingri County in Xigaze City, located in the Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region, has risen to 53. The earthquake also left 62 people injured and caused extensive damage, including the collapse of numerous buildings, according to the Taipei Times, citing state media.

Earlier, regional disaster relief authorities reported 32 fatalities and 38 injuries, as per Xinhua. “Fifty-three people have been confirmed dead, and 62 others injured as of Tuesday noon, after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in the city of Xigaze in Xizang Autonomous Region at 9:05 am Tuesday,” Xinhua news agency stated.

The China Earthquake Networks Centre reported that the epicenter was located at 28.5°N latitude and 87.45°E longitude, with a depth of 10 kilometers. In response, the Chinese military deployed a drone to assess the situation at the epicenter. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theater Command announced that its air force had activated a disaster relief emergency plan, with transport and medical planes, helicopters, and ground forces on standby to assist with relief efforts.

House collapses were also reported in Tonglai Village, located in Changsuo Township of Dingri, also known as Shigatse, Xinhua noted.

The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported a series of aftershocks in Xizang on Tuesday following the initial quake. The earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck Xizang at 6:35 AM (IST) at a depth of 10 kilometers. Seven aftershocks were recorded, with magnitudes ranging from 4.3 to 5.0, the last occurring at 09:11 am IST.

Tremors were felt in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, and Bihar’s Sheohar district in India, prompting evacuations. Authorities reported no casualties in these areas so far.

Nepali Home Minister spokesman Rishi Ram Tiwari stated that no damage or deaths had been reported in Nepal, and security forces were deployed to monitor the situation.

Relief operations are underway in the affected regions, with local and international agencies monitoring the situation closely. Further updates on damages, casualties, and rescue operations are expected as more information becomes available.