A total of 1,095 aftershocks had been recorded as of 8:00 Thursday after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Tuesday morning, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).
The powerful quake struck Dingri in Xigaze City at 9:05 a.m. Tuesday, with a depth of 10 km. The disaster has claimed at least 126 lives, injured 188 others, and caused the collapse of more than 3,600 houses as of Tuesday night.
Aftershocks include 804 below magnitude 2.0, 258 between magnitudes 2.0 and 2.9, 29 between magnitudes 3.0 and 3.9, and four between magnitudes 4.0 and 4.9. The strongest so far measured 4.4 in magnitude, occurring some 18 kilometers from the epicenter of the main quake.
The epicenter, located in Tsogo Township, is home to approximately 6,900 people across 27 villages within a 20-km radius. Dingri County, situated on the northern slope of the Himalayas, borders Nepal to the south and lies near the northern base camp of Mount Qomolangma, the world's highest peak.
To support rescue operation and disaster assessment, the Jilin-1 satellite was deployed to capture real-time images of the quake-hit areas.
In Tsogo Township, the epicenter, many traditional mud-brick homes were completely destroyed. High-resolution satellite images show widespread devastation, with houses reduced to rubble.
In Changsuo Township, satellite images reveal widespread damage to homes, which were mainly built with earth-and-wood structures known for their vulnerability to seismic activity. Villages such as Tonglai and Gadan witnessed significant destruction, with individuals trapped in fallen buildings. Some villagers' two-story homes collapsed partially, leaving only remnants of their upper walls.
Quelo Township also experienced severe devastation. Satellite comparisons show widespread structural failure in homes built with earth-and-wood materials. Rescue teams, including the People's Liberation Army, armed police, and firefighting units, rushed to Quelo to search for survivors. Local authorities have set up temporary shelters to house affected residents.
Over 1,000 aftershocks detected after Xizang 6.8-magnitude quake
Over 1,000 aftershocks detected after Xizang 6.8-magnitude quake
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
