Tibet Earthquake Kills 126, Rescue Operations Ongoing
Massive Earthquake Devastates Tibet
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet on Tuesday morning, leaving 126 people dead and nearly 200 injured. The disaster caused extensive destruction, with over 3,500 buildings damaged or destroyed.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing in Tibet
Emergency teams and local residents are working tirelessly to find survivors. Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed authorities to take all necessary measures to support the rescue mission.
Aftershocks and Infrastructure Damage in Tibet
Following the initial quake, more than 40 aftershocks were recorded, further complicating rescue efforts. Many areas are still without electricity and water, worsening the situation for survivors.
Epicenter Located in Qinghai Province
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) identified the epicenter in China’s Qinghai province. The tremors were felt in neighboring countries, including Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Exiled Tibetan Government Blames China
The Tibetan government-in-exile has accused China of contributing to the disaster. They argue that Beijing’s unplanned mining and resource extraction activities have increased the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
Environmental Risks from Reckless Mining
According to Namgyal Dolkar, a member of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, “Unregulated mining and exploitation of natural resources under the Chinese Communist Party have escalated environmental risks in the region.”
Concerns Over Hydropower Project
The Tibetan exiles have also raised alarms over China’s massive hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River. They believe this could lead to ecological disasters for South Asia, impacting millions of lives.
Call for International Attention
While the earthquake is a natural disaster, Tibetan exiles stress the need for global attention on China’s activities in the region. They urge action to prevent further environmental degradation and protect the fragile ecosystem of Tibet.