By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, May 12: An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale hit the Chamdo region in Eastern Tibet on the morning of Wednesday (May 11) causing significant damages to property and infrastructure in the area.
The quake described as “shallow” struck at 9:15 A.M local time. The US Geological Survey discovered the epicenter to be 70 kilometers (44 miles) northwest of Gyamotang village at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Although no deaths have been reported as of now, 60 people have been injured in the Kata Township and the neighboring Guodong village 10 kms away. Infrastructure such as roads and bridges have reportedly been damaged by the tremors. The area has two prominent Buddhist temples.
Rescue efforts are underway according to China Daily although the connectivity to the region is impeded by damaged roads and bridges and the mountainous terrain of the area is causing more difficulty for rescue operations after the quake yesterday.
