Powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake hits Tibet – leaving not less than 53 lifeless and rattling the slopes of Mt Everest
- This story is developing, more to follow
At least 53 people are dead after a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit a Tibetan region near Mount Everest.
Tremors reverberated through Nepal’s capital city Kathmandu just before dawn on Tuesday.
The US Geological Survey said the epicentre of the quake was located 57 miles from Lobuche in Nepal, along the mountainous border with Tibet in China.
Data from the USGC showed that Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, itself experienced tremors of 4.5-magnitude.
It is unclear if there were any climbers on Everest at the time of the earthquake, which could potentially be disastrous.
According to Chinese state media, 38 people were injured and more than 1,000 houses were damaged in one county alone, with fears there are more victims trapped under the rubble.
There are also villages and homes in hard-to-reach areas of the Himalayas closer to the epicenter which are feared destroyed.
Rescue teams of about 1,500 people have been deployed to help search for survivors and begin clearing the wreckage.
Villagers gathered to assess the damage after the quake rocked Nepal and Tibet
Villagers gathered to assess the damage after the quake rocked Nepal and Tibet
Rescuers work in an earthquake-affected area in Changsuo Township of Dingri in Xigaze, southwest China
The USGC said of the region affected: ‘Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist.
‘The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and unreinforced brick with mud construction.’
In 2015, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal triggered a massive avalanche from Pumori, a nearby mountain, that sent snow into Everest’s Base Camp, killing at least 22.
At least 61 people were left injured. It is still the deadliest disaster on the mountain.
Nepal is particularly prone to earthquakes, given its site on the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Being situated on an active fault line, the nation and surrounding regions often experience shallow earthquakes.
More to follow.
