Rescue and relief efforts continue after 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Xizang
Rescue and relief operations are continuing in Baqen County in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region following a magnitude-7.0 earthquake that struck on Thursday evening.
As of Friday afternoon, 16 people had been killed and 76 others injured. The earthquake also damaged or destroyed 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds.
Power supply in the affected area was fully restored by 20:30 on Saturday. By 15:00 on Sunday, personnel from the Xizang Military Command had completed search-and-rescue operations and safety inspections in seven villages in Maru Township, covering 475 households. Medical assistance was also provided to affected residents.
The first 60 temporary container housing units were installed in Maru Township on Sunday. Residents began moving from tents into the units that afternoon, while the remaining 180 units are expected to be ready by Monday morning.
Rescue teams continue to provide hot meals and drinking water to ensure that affected residents have access to essential supplies.
The earthquake damaged homes to varying degrees across several townships. Local housing and construction authorities promptly formed emergency assessment teams to inspect buildings, identify potential hazards and mark structures according to their safety status. The assessments will guide subsequent repair and reconstruction work.
"All affected residents have now been relocated to tents, ensuring everyone has a safe place to stay. Container housing units are also gradually arriving at the various settlement sites. In the next phase, repair and reconstruction work will be carried out based on emergency assessments, with the goal of enabling residents to move into safe and secure homes as soon as possible," said Janggyu, director of the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau of Baqing County.
According to CCTV+, rescue operations and relief efforts are continuing as authorities work to provide temporary housing and prepare for the reconstruction of damaged homes.
