Over 1,000 aftershocks detected after Xizang 6.8-magnitude quake

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

A China Media Group (CMG) reporter recorded the "war zone-like" wildfires raging in the north of Los Angeles in California, the United States, on Wednesday night.

Multiple major wildfires raging across Los Angeles County, the most populous U.S. county, has killed at least five people and damaged at least 1,100 buildings, authorities said Wednesday.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Tuesday after tens of thousands of people were ordered to evacuate due to a fast-moving wildfire in California.

According to the CMG reporter Liu Xiaoqian, fire has been burning all day at multiple locations in the area on Wednesday, and local residents have received evacuation messages.

"This road is now completely closed, with access restricted to fire engines. A strong smell of burning fills the air, creating a scene reminiscent of a war zone. You can hear the crackling sound of fires raging," said Liu on site.

The video footage from Liu shows widespread destructions caused by the fire, with numerous buildings, vehicles, and road signs reduced to ruins. Dense smoke and fire flames can be seen along the roads.

According to Liu, the vast area affected by the fire means that the local fire department has resources only to deal with large-scale blazes.

"The wildfire currently sweeping across multiple areas of Los Angeles is the most severe one the city has ever experienced. Scenes like this large-scale fire are just the beginning, as the fire is spreading in all directions across the city. At present, firefighters can only focus on containing large-scale fires like this one to prevent further spread," he said.

U.S. President Joe Biden decided to cancel his scheduled trip to Italy to "remain focused on directing the full federal response" to California wildfires, a White House spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday night.

CMG reporter experience "war zone-like" wildfires in LA