More than 46,500 people have been relocated and resettled after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Tuesday morning, the regional government said.
A total of 646 aftershocks have been detected as of Wednesday noon, said Hong Li, head of the regional emergency management department. Telecommunications, roads and power have been restored in the quake-hit region, he said.
"A total of 646 aftershocks had been detected as of 12:00 on Jan 8. The largest aftershock was magnitude 4.4, and was about 18 kilometers from the epicenter. The earthquake has caused the collapse of 3,609 houses and 126 deaths, and injured another 188. Some parts of Dingri and Lazi counties suffered power outage. Trunk roads of national and provincial highways, and some rural road sections have been damaged to varying degrees. Telecommunications in the towns of Changsuo and Quluo in Dingri County were seriously damaged. After urgent repair, telecommunications, roads and power in the quake-hit area have been basically restored," said the official.
"At present, more than 12,000 people have been mobilized at all levels of emergency rescue, fire rescue, forest fire protection, public security police, military officers and soldiers, and social emergency rescue forces to rescue people's lives and property. Up to now, 187 resettlement sites have been set up, accommodating 46,500 people. The 484 tourists in Dingri County of Xigaze City had safely returned to the urban area of Xigaze by 12:00 on Jan 7," he said.
The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) on Tuesday night allocated the second batch of relief supplies to the quake-affected areas, which comprised 4,300 items such as cotton tents, quilts and folding beds.
"A total of 391 medical workers from the autonomous region, Xigaze City, Dingri County and Lazi County were sent to carry out medical treatment after the earthquake. Up to now, a total of 327 patients have been treated, more than two thirds of them had been discharged from hospital after treatment, and other patients are under treatment," the official said. More than 50 rescue workers were also sent to the areas by the RCSC, bringing along emergency sanitary toilets, catering vehicles and camper vehicles, among other emergency response supplies.
Over 46,500 people relocated after 6.8-magnitude Xizang quake: official
