By Tendar Tsering
DHARAMSHALA, September 19: An earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck the Indian border state of Sikkim Sunday evening, sending tremors throughout the region.
According to incoming reports, the earthquake has killed over 50 people and injured several others in India, Nepal and Tibet.
The Chinese official News agency, Xinhua, in a report said that the earthquake killed seven people and injured 22 in Tibet while triggering landslides and disrupting electricity and telecommunication services in the region.
The Tibet regional seismological bureau said that the quake had its epicenter 40 km from the Indo-Tibet border and its jolts were felt in most parts of Shigatse, the historic home of the Panchen Lamas.
The Indian government has dispatched relief workers and aid to the affected areas in Sikkim and West Bengal.
Speaking to Phayul, Dhondup Dorje, additional secretary of the Department of Home of Central Tibetan Administration confirmed that there have been no Tibetan casualties in the affected areas in India.
“Lines are down, but according to initial reports we can say that there are no Tibetan casualties in the quake hit region except for some injuries and minor damages to houses in Gangtok,” said Dhondup.
“We are waiting for a detailed report,” Dhondup added.
The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile in its morning session offered condolences to the families of the quake victims and observed a minute’s silence to mourn the loss of lives.
Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, while speaking to reporters in Dharamshala, expressed his sadness over the destruction caused by the quake and offered his prayers and condolences to the victims and survivors of the quake.
