According to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Cuoguo Township in Dingri County, Shigatse City, at 9:05 AM on January 7, Beijing time.
By 7:00 PM on January 7, preliminary reports from Xinhua News Agency revealed that the earthquake had resulted in 126 fatalities and 188 injuries. Among the injured, 28 were in critical condition and had been transported to a city hospital for treatment. Additionally, 3,609 households were reported to have collapsed.
Further analysis by the CENC confirmed an aftershock of magnitude 3.1 occurred in Dingri County at 8:08 AM on January 8. The epicenter was pinpointed at a latitude of 28.77°N and a longitude of 87.46°E, with a depth of 10 kilometers.
Mr. Liu, a businessman from Shigatse, told reporters on January 7 that while life in the city was gradually returning to normal, the situation in Dingri County remained dire. Many vendors in Shigatse originate from Dingri County, and Liu had hurried back to assess the destruction.
Staff from the Emergency Management Bureau of Dingri County stated on January 7 that several rural towns had experienced significant structural damage, including collapsed buildings. Rescue operations were underway, coordinated by emergency teams in partnership with other relevant authorities. Urgent supplies, such as tents, blankets, and beds, were still desperately needed in the affected areas.
National agencies, including the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, the Chinese Red Cross, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Emergency Management, have activated emergency response measures to aid those impacted by the disaster.
As a precautionary measure, the Mount Everest Scenic Area suspended all public access starting at 10:00 AM on January 7. Further announcements regarding reopening will be provided at a later date.
