BEIJING — Following a devastating earthquake that occurred near a significant site for Tibetan Buddhism, relief teams in western China have shifted their attention to the resettlement of survivors. The earthquake struck on Tuesday, prompting state media reports that indicated over 46,000 individuals have been relocated as their homes have been rendered unsafe or unlivable. The disaster has tragically resulted in at least 126 fatalities and inflicted injuries on 188 others.
In response to the calamity, members of the Tibetan community, particularly those who have escaped persecution in China, organized vigils in neighboring countries, including India and Nepal, where there are substantial Tibetan populations. The earthquake hit an area close to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, which serves as the traditional home of the Panchen Lama, a prominent figure in Tibetan Buddhism. It remains unclear whether the Panchen Lama was present at his monastery during the earthquake.
The epicenter of the quake was located approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Xigaze, the main urban center of Shigatse. Despite the differing magnitudes reported—7.1 by the U.S. Geological Survey and 6.8 by China’s earthquake center—post-event assessments have recorded over 500 aftershocks following the initial quake. The region, situated about 75 kilometers (50 miles) from Mount Everest, is known for its seismic activity, particularly along the Tibetan Plateau and its borders.
In Dharamshala, India, about 200 Tibetans gathered to honor those affected, lighting candles and chanting prayers while carrying supportive messages for victims and calls for aid. Dharamshala is home to the Dalai Lama, the revered figure of Tibetan Buddhism who fled Tibet in 1959 amid turmoil against Chinese governance, which has been perceived as a threat to the local Buddhist culture.
Meanwhile, in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, roughly 50 Tibetans participated in prayers at a local monastery, expressing their sorrow for those who lost their lives due to the earthquake. Discussions surrounding the current Panchen Lama are controversial, with tensions ongoing since a boy recognized by the Dalai Lama vanished in the mid-1990s, prompting the Chinese government to endorse a different candidate for this religious role. The Dalai Lama’s legitimacy as a religious leader has faced continuous challenges.
In light of the devastating impact of the earthquake, the Dalai Lama’s official website announced a prayer service to honor the earthquake victims, planned for Thursday in Dharamshala. This announcement drew a cautionary response from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, emphasizing concerns about the Dalai Lama’s supposed separatist agenda while expressing confidence in the affected community’s ability to recover under the leadership of the Communist Party.
State media demonstrated ongoing efforts for recovery by broadcasting footage of teams setting up large, framed tents that would provide shelter to those displaced by the earthquake. These tents, insulated to combat frigid temperatures typical of the high-altitude region where temperatures can plummet below freezing, are essential for survivor safety. The Director of Tibet’s Emergency Management Department stated that the focus of operations has now transitioned from immediate rescue missions to long-term resettlement and reconstruction efforts.
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing interacted with survivors and emphasized the need to expedite recovery processes to ensure their safety and comfort in the winter ahead. Earlier reports depicted rescue workers sifting through debris while search dogs assisted in finding any remaining victims. Areas previously lined with homes have been reduced to rubble, highlighting the extensive damage.
According to local accounts, Gurum village, one of the hardest-hit areas, suffered significant losses, including the deaths of at least 22 residents—among them, the local Communist Party chief’s 74-year-old mother. He recounted the tragic circumstances, noting that even younger individuals struggled to escape the collapse of their homes—underscoring the urgency of the rescue and recovery efforts.
Preliminary assessments indicated that over 3,600 homes have been destroyed, according to local government figures. The region remains largely inaccessible to foreign journalists, especially concerning reports regarding alleged mistreatment of the local Tibetan population by Chinese authorities.
