BEIJING — China’s reported tally of injuries from the devastating earthquake in Tibet has nearly doubled, as rescue operations ramp up in the remote foothills of the Himalayas. Despite the dwindling prospects of finding survivors, search teams continue to comb through the debris for signs of life.
The state-backed Global Times reported a rise in the number of injured to 337, an increase from Tuesday’s initial figure of 188. The death toll, however, remains unchanged at 126. As of now, it remains unclear how many are still missing, but with more than three days passing since the disaster, experts suggest that those trapped under the rubble may have succumbed to hypothermia. Nighttime temperatures in the region plunge to as low as -15°C, not factoring in the wind chill, significantly impeding search efforts.
In total, over 1,600 aftershocks have rocked the disaster zone by Friday, further complicating the movement of more than 47,000 displaced people to temporary shelters.
A report from Tibet Daily highlighted the swift response of regional officials, with the Communist Party’s top leader in the area taking action within 30 minutes of the quake. The newspaper featured a poignant headline, “Make sure no one is left behind,” as it described the emotional scenes in the hardest-hit villages in Tingri County, the epicenter of the quake. There, elderly residents were seen clinging to Wang Junzheng, Tibet’s top party secretary, offering traditional Tibetan gestures of respect, even as tears flowed.
Despite the overwhelming devastation, local officials, including many who lost their own homes, have joined the massive relief efforts, sifting through the rubble and helping to secure resettlement areas. President Xi Jinping convened top leaders to coordinate disaster relief and expedite the rebuilding process.
As the government works to provide immediate relief, including the distribution of 743,000 tonnes of essential supplies like grains, cooking oil, and meats, long-term solutions are being devised for the tens of thousands left without homes. The commerce ministry has also prepared additional shipments of frozen pork, beef, and mutton to sustain the affected population.
Efforts continue on all fronts as authorities strive to meet the urgent needs of those affected, while also planning for a swift recovery from one of Tibet’s most severe natural disasters in recent years.
