BEIJING — A powerful earthquake struck the high-altitude region of western China on Tuesday, resulting in a tragic loss of at least 126 lives and injuring many more. This earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.1 according to the US Geological Survey, primarily affected Tibet and nearby areas of Nepal. Reports indicate that more than 3,600 homes were destroyed, leaving thousands displaced as rescue efforts continue amidst frigid temperatures and numerous aftershocks.

Rescuers have been tirelessly searching for survivors trapped beneath the debris, with more than 400 people successfully rescued so far. The earthquake's epicenter was located in Tingri County, Tibet, an area known for its seismic activity where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. The quake awakened residents hundreds of miles away in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, resulting in many fleeing into the streets in fear.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a comprehensive rescue operation aimed at minimizing further casualties and assisting those whose homes have been damaged. In a coordinated response, over 3,000 rescuers have been dispatched to the affected regions, backed by a substantial $13.6 million aid allocation from the government. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has been sent to oversee recovery efforts as local authorities grapple with the aftereffects of the tremor.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the quake occurred at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers, which typically results in more significant damage. The officially recorded aftershocks numbered around 150 in the hours following the initial earthquake, creating additional challenges for rescue operations.

In total, some 30,000 individuals have been relocated from the disaster zone, which includes around 6,900 residents living within 20 kilometers of the quake's epicenter. In Tibet, many local communities were already struggling due to extreme cold as the winter season sets in. Voice of America reported that the remote mountainous areas, including those near Mount Everest, experienced extensive devastation.

As recovery efforts persist, authorities remain hopeful of finding additional survivors amidst the remains of collapsed structures, while also addressing the urgent needs of those who have been displaced by this disaster.