Tibet earthquake kills over 150 people

A devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Asia’s Tibet region on Tuesday, which left at least 126 dead, over 150 injured, and thousands displaced, according to Chinese state media.

The quake struck near the Nepal border and rocked the city of Shigatse, where the Panchen Lama, Tibetan Buddhism’s highest leader behind the Dalai Lama, resides. It is home to 800,000 people.

Nearly 3,000 houses collapsed, and 30,000 residents were evacuated, with rescue teams saving 407 trapped individuals.

Tremors were felt hundreds of miles away in neighboring Bhutan, India and Nepal. Mount Everest base camp also felt the quake.

Several aftershocks followed, the strongest measuring 4.4 magnitude.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged prioritization of rescue operations, medical aid, and infrastructure repairs to prepare affected areas for the winter.