Over 60 Injured After 5.5 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Tibet

Tibet’s government has urged local authorities to support rescue work and assist relief.

Local authorities have been urged to begin relief efforts immediately. Image used for representation. (Photo: iStock)

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake hit Tibet on 11 May leaving over 60 injured, six of them seriously.

The shallow quake which was seven kilometres deep, occurred at 9 am near Tibet’s border with Qinghai province and led to damage of roads, houses and buildings.

The earthquake was felt strongly in several townships in Dengqen County in Tibet’s Qamdo City and led to the collapse of several and damaged bridges and roads.

Media reports said that the temblor triggered landslides. The China Earthquake Networks Centre monitored the epicenter at a depth of seven kilometers. Shallow earthquakes cause more damage despite moderate intensity.

Soren, director of the Regional Seismological Bureau, said the epicentre is located in Kata Town.

The injured are all from Kata and are being treated in the People’s Hospital of Qamdo City, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The chief of Kata Town said that the roads leading to the village have caved in. Tibet’s government has urged local authorities to make every effort to support rescue work and assist quake relief. Relief supplies, including tents, clothes, food and drink and medicine are being transported to the affected area.