A powerful magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck Dingri County in Xigaze, Xizang Autonomous Region, early Tuesday morning. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers in Tsogo Township, impacted 27 villages and roughly 6,900 residents within a 20-km radius.
Dingri County, located on the northern slope of the Himalayas near the northern base camp of Mount Qomolangma, lies within one of the world's most seismically active zones. Professor Ma Changqian from the China University of Geosciences attributes the earthquake to the region's unique geological structure and the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.
With nearly 90 percent of Dingri County's land part of the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, the area is renowned for its distinct ecological environment. The region's thick crust and intense tectonic activity contribute to frequent and powerful seismic events, with potential aftershocks expected to exceed magnitude-5 in the coming weeks.
In response to the disaster, the China Earthquake Administration activated a level-I emergency response, dispatching a work team to support local relief efforts. The State Council earthquake relief headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management also initiated level-II responses.
Professor Ma highlights several challenges facing rescue operations, including the county's high-altitude, mountainous terrain prone to landslides and mudslides, which can block access to affected areas. Damaged infrastructure further complicates the delivery of aid, while harsh winter conditions and unpredictable weather exacerbate the risks to both victims and rescuers.
To mitigate these challenges, Ma recommends deploying geological experts to assess slope stability and prevent secondary disasters, as well as enhancing hydrological monitoring to manage potential barrier lakes effectively.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
