Earthquake in Tibet

400 rescued from landslides – race against time in Tibet

More than 400 people have been rescued from landslides overnight after a powerful earthquake struck Tibet on Tuesday, Chinese officials told Reuters.

Rescue work in the Tingri region of Tibet, 80 kilometers north of Mount Everest, is underway in harsh weather conditions with sub-zero temperatures and strong winds. More than 12,000 rescue workers are taking part in the work.

More than 3,600 houses are reported to have collapsed and more than 30,000 residents have had to evacuate, according to the state-run Chinese news agency Xinhua.

“Rescuers are also racing against time to set up tents for evacuated residents in an area where temperatures are expected to drop,” the news agency writes.

At least 126 people have been confirmed dead and at least 188 have been injured in the earthquake.

Destruction after earthquake in Tibet – mud houses collapsed

Tuesday's powerful earthquake caused great devastation in the inaccessible, mountainous region of Tingri in Tibet, news agencies report. At least 1,000 buildings have been damaged and people are trapped in the rubble, according to state-run Chinese media.

- The houses here are built of mud, so when the earthquake hit, many collapsed, says 34-year-old Sangji Dagzhi, whose shop was badly damaged.

Pictures from the scene show rescue workers searching through the rubble, and residents wrapping themselves in thick blankets to stay warm in the freezing temperatures. Ambulances have been running shuttle services all day.

At least 126 people have been confirmed dead and at least 188 injured on the Chinese side of the border.