Tibet earthquake: Death toll rises to at least 95 after major tremor

A powerful earthquake in Tibet has killed at least 95 people, with many still trapped, as aftershocks shake the province and neighbouring Nepal.

About 130 others were reported to have been injured when the 7.1-magnitude quake struck on Tuesday morning, Chinese authorities said.

About 1,500 fire and rescue workers were deployed to search for people in the rubble after around 1,000 houses were damaged, the Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management said.

Both the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the China Earthquake Networks Center said the epicentre was about 50 miles northeast of Mount Everest, near the border.

The region is seismically active, where the Indian and Eurasian plates collide, pushing up the Himalayas and altering the heights of some of the world’s tallest peaks.

Videos shared on Chinese social media and verified by ITV News’ affiliate CNN showed damaged roofs, shops, and debris layered across the road in Lhatse County in southern Tibet, about 53 miles from the epicentre.

Footage also showed damaged cars and motorcycles parked along the road.

Nepalese people who rushed out of their homes after experiencing an earthquake. / Credit: AP

In Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, the earthquake woke up residents and sent them running out of their homes.

“It was very strong. People came running out of their houses. You could see the wires from poles shaken loose,” said Bishal Nath Upreti from the Nepal Centre for Disaster Management, a non-government organisation in Kathmandu.

In a statement after the quake, Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged officials to prioritise search and rescue efforts, provide proper shelter for affected residents, and ensure their safety and warmth during the winter.