By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Jan. 5: The earthquake measuring 6.8 magnitude that hit the Northeastern part of India early yesterday morning (Jan. 4) also shook parts of Tibet in the Southern and South Eastern areas.
The Indian Meteorological department has traced the epicenter to be originating out of Noney village in Tamenglong around 35 kms from Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. The area has sustained heavy damage in terms of infrastructure and loss of lives. The Times of India estimates at least eight people dead and 100 injured and many buildings irrevocably damaged.
Tibetan areas such as the prefectures of Nyingtri, Shannan and Chamdo as well as the capital city of Tibet, Lhasa, felt the jolt although no casualties have been reported so far.
The head of Metok County in Nyingtri Prefecture told Xinhua, the Chinese government mouth-piece that prefectural declaration was made for public to access damage and casualty. Metok County is the closest Tibetan area from the epicenter in India.
Last year’s Nepal earthquake also reached into Tibet but on a much devastating effect. Heavy damage and casualties were reported in Kyidrong County in Tibetan Autonomous Region to the count of at least 27 dead and 4 missing last year. Independent sources of Phayul in Nepal say that the Tibetan areas are yet to receive any significant help from the Chinese government besides tarpaulin and roofing sheets after almost eight months of the tragedy.
The locals in the Tibetan areas are given strict instructions against taking any sort of foreign aid with Chinese officials assuring them of rebuilding works to begin in March 2016. The Tibetans in the earthquake affected area are left to resist help from outside and fend for themselves through the ongoing harsh Himalayan winter, in shoddy and temporary dwellings.
