Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel, has extended condolences and expressed solidarity with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, following the devastating earthquake in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region.
In his message to Minister Wang, Minister Khaleel conveyed his profound sorrow over the tragic loss of lives, the injuries sustained, and the extensive damage to property and infrastructure in Dingri County. The earthquake that struck Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region caused widespread devastation and prompted national distress.
"I am deeply saddened to hear the distressing news of the tragic loss of lives and injury, as well as damages to property and infrastructure, caused by the earthquake that struck Dingri County in Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region this morning," stated Minister Khaleel. He further requested that Minister Wang extend sincere condolences to the bereaved families and all those affected by the earthquake.
The powerful earthquake struck a remote region of Tibet, resulting in at least 126 fatalities and more than 100 injuries, with tremors felt in Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of northern India. The United States Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter scale, while the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) recorded a magnitude of 6.8.
The earthquake's epicentre was in Shigatse's high-altitude county of Dingri, located on the Chinese side of Mount Everest and home to about 62,000 people. At least 126 people were killed, and 188 others were injured, according to Chinese media. The Xinhua news agency reported that more than 1,000 houses had suffered varying degrees of damage.