At least 53people have been confirmed dead and 62are injured after a major earthquake struck China’s mountainous Tibet region on Tuesday morning, Chinese state media reported.
The earthquake that hit Tibet’s holy Shigatse city around 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT) had a magnitude of 7.1 and a depth of 10 kilometres (six miles), according to data from the US Geological Survey, which also showed a series of aftershocks in the area.
Tremors were also felt in neighbouring Nepal and parts of India.
Earthquakes are common in the region, which lies on a major geological fault line.
The Chinese air force has launched rescue efforts and drones to the affected area, which sits at the foot of Mount Everest and where temperatures are well below freezing.
Both power and water in the region have been cut off.
Chinese president Xi Jinping has also called for all-out search and rescue efforts to minimise casualties and resettle affected residents.
