7.1-magnitude earthquake hits Tibet, over 120 dead

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet’s remote Tingri County on Tuesday morning, killing at least 126 people and injuring 188, according to Chinese state media. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, was followed by multiple aftershocks and felt across the Himalayas in Nepal, Bhutan, and northern India.

The epicenter, located 50 miles north of Mount Everest near the Nepal border, caused extensive damage in isolated Himalayan villages. Nearly 3,000 houses were reported damaged. Rescue operations are underway, with over 200 Chinese military personnel deployed and 1,500 more on standby.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for urgent rescue efforts and support for affected residents facing winter conditions. The quake has raised safety concerns for tourists visiting the Mount Everest region. Local authorities have closed the Everest base camp, evacuating all visitors present during the tremors.