A powerful earthquake that hit a remote region of Tibet has killed at least 126 people and injured 188 others.
The quake struck high-altitude Tinigiri country around 80 kilometres north of Mount Everest near China’s border with Nepal at around 9 am local time (12 pm AEDT) on Tuesday. Tremors were also felt in Nepal, Bhutan and parts of Northern India.
The epicenter of the quake, Tingri is home to around 62,000 people and is much less developed than urban centres like Tibet’s capital Lhasa.
More than 3,000 houses collapsed and 28 people were transferred to hospital for treatment after being left in critical condition.
The United States Geological Survey measured a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale, while the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) recorded a 6.8 magnitude.
A large-scale operation was launched with survivors under extra pressure due to Dingri experiencing temperatures of around -8 degrees celsius.
“The harsh winter conditions exacerbate the suffering, leaving many without adequate food, clothing, and shelter,” the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile said in a statement.
“We also call upon both public and private sectors to provide urgent assistance to those facing housing and other critical needs in the aftermath of this devastating disaster.”
China Xinhua News reported that rescuers are already braving the cold in their search for survivors.
According to CENC, Tuesday’s quake was the most powerful recorded within a 200-kilometre radius in the last five years.
The International Campaign for Tibet has called for rapid emergency aid in the area.
“We stand in solidarity with the Tibetan people during this difficult time and continue to advocate for their rights to receive the support and aid they so desperately need,” they said in a statement.
The Dalai Lama also expressed his condolences for those affected in a statement.
“I offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives and extend my wishes for a swift recovery to all who have been injured,” he said.