By Kalsang Rinchen
Dharamsala, April 14 – Latest reports indicate that the death toll in the massive earthquake that hit Qinghai province earlier today has risen to 589 and around 10000 people have been injured.
However, unconfirmed sources including Tibetan exiles belonging to the quake hit area who claimed to have spoken to people there say the death toll is much higher. One Tibetan who said he spoke to someone in his village puts the death toll around 3000.
The quake measured 7.1 on Richter scale, according to China Earthquake Networks Center but the United States Geological Survey puts the magnitude at 6.9.
The epicenter of the quake lies in Yushu County (Kyegudo in the traditional Tibetan province of Kham) in the Yushu prefecture. The quake struck at 7:49 a.m. with a depth of about 33 km and is calculated to be 33.1 north and 96.7 east, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center.
“The strong quake and a string of aftershocks, with the biggest one being 6.3 magnitude, have toppled houses, temples, gas stations and electric poles, triggered landslides, damaged roads, cut power supplies and disrupted telecommunications. A reservoir was also cracked, where workers are trying to prevent the outflow of water,” reported Xinhua.
The death toll “may rise further as lots of houses collapsed,” according to
Wu Yong, commander of the Yushu Military Area Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
“We are now putting up tents and transporting oxygen to prepare for treating the injured,” he said.
“But roads leading to the airport have been damaged, hampering the rescue efforts,” he said.
“In addition, frequent aftershocks and strong winds make the rescue operation more difficult,” he added.
At least 18 aftershocks have been reported so far, with the biggest being 6.3 magnitude about an hour and 36 minutes later.
“Aftershocks above 6 magnitude are still likely to happen in the coming several days,” warned Liu Jie, of the China Earthquake Networks Center.
In Dharamsala, five NGOs held a prayer vigil for the victims of the catastrophe and their families. The Tibetan Youth Congress, Gu Chu Sum movement of Tibet, Tibetan Women’s Association, National Democratic Party of Tibet and the Students for a Free Tibet lit butter lamps (Gyamchoe)at the Tsuglakhang courtyard and offer prayers on the Tibetan exiles’ behalf for those killed in the quake, and for those who have been injured.
The exile Tibetan government here also closed offices under its administration to hold prayer session for the victims and their families.
