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  • Tibet earthquake death toll rises
  • The earthquake occurred in the Dingri area, which is on the north side of Mount Everest
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Tibet
Tibet suffered an earthquake. Julia Volk/ Pexels

Tibet earthquake death toll rises

At least 53 people have been killed in a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Tibet, according to new estimates. China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported this. At least 62 people suffered injuries. According to the state-run CCTV station in Lin, many buildings collapsed near the epicenter.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the earthquake's magnitude was 7.1. Underground tremors were also recorded.

Earthquakes are quite common in Tibet and throughout southwestern China, Nepal, and northern India.

The earthquake occurred in the Dingri area, which is on the north side of Mount Everest

Dingri is located about 400 km west of the Tibetan capital, Lhasa.

According to Xinhua, local authorities are trying to contact various communities to "clarify the aftermath". Dingry is experiencing a cold snap of 8 degrees, with temperatures likely to drop to minus 18 degrees in the evening, according to the Chinese meteorological service.

"According to Xinhua, tremors were felt in the region. Several communities were affected. Rescue efforts are ongoing. In addition, people are being evacuated to avoid possible aftershocks. Photos and video footage showed debris-strewn walkways and collapsed buildings, most of them one storey high.

A devastating earthquake in Sichuan province in 2008 killed around 70,000 people. In 2015, another major earthquake shook the Kathmandu region of Nepal, killing around 9,000 people and injuring thousands.

Based on ELTA reports