Powerful Earthquake in Xizang: Rescuers Face High-Altitude Challenges 🏔️
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 shook Dingri County in Xizang Autonomous Region at 9:05 a.m. on Tuesday. Dingri County is located in southwest China, on the northern side of the Himalayas, close to Mount Qomolangma (also known as Mount Everest), the world’s highest peak!
The quake affected 27 villages and about 6,900 people within a 20-kilometer radius. That’s like nearly 100 school buses full of people! 🚍
Why Did the Earthquake Happen? 🌍
Professor Ma Changqian, an expert from the China University of Geosciences, explains that Dingri County is in one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the world. This is because it’s where two huge pieces of the Earth’s crust, the Indian and Eurasian plates, push against each other.
Imagine two giant puzzle pieces bumping into each other—that’s what’s happening deep underground! This creates a lot of stress, which can cause the ground to shake.
Aftershocks and What to Expect 🔄
After a big earthquake, smaller ones called aftershocks often happen. Professor Ma says that more aftershocks might occur in the next few days and weeks. Some could even be as strong as magnitude 5.
Challenges for Rescuers 🧑🚒
Rescuing people in high mountains isn’t easy. The area has steep slopes and rough landscapes. Landslides and mudslides can block roads, making it hard for rescuers to reach the people who need help.
Also, Dingri County is really high up—about 4,500 meters above sea level! That’s higher than many mountains. At night, the temperature can drop below freezing. Brrr! ❄️ This makes it even tougher for rescuers and the people waiting for help.
Staying Safe and Prepared 🛡️
Experts like Professor Ma suggest sending geological teams to check for dangers like landslides or avalanches before rescuers go in. It’s important to keep everyone safe during the rescue missions.
Rescue teams are also keeping an eye on rivers and lakes to make sure there are no floods caused by the earthquake.
What Can We Learn? 📚
Earthquakes can happen suddenly, especially in places like Dingri County. It reminds us how brave rescuers are and how important it is to be prepared for emergencies.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
