Death toll from earthquake in China's Tibet rises to 126

The death toll from the earthquake in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in southwestern China near the border with Nepal and Bangladesh has risen to 126 people. This was reported by Xinhua news agency on January 7.

"As of 19:00 (14:00 Moscow time - Ed.) as a result of the earthquake in Dingri County, 126 people were killed," the statement said.

It is noted that 188 people were injured. In addition, 28 people were transferred to a municipal hospital for treatment. As a result of the earthquake also collapsed more than 3.5 thousand houses.

Before that, the agency reported about 95 dead and 130 injured.

The earthquake occurred on Tuesday, January 7, in China near the border with Nepal and Bangladesh. Underground tremors were recorded in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The epicenter was located at a depth of 10 km and at a distance of 63 km southwest of the city of Shigadze, which is inhabited by 80 thousand people.

At the moment there is no information about presence of Russian citizens in the earthquake zone in the south-west of China. The Russian Embassy is actively cooperating with the Chinese authorities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping in connection with the loss of life in the earthquake. He also said that Russia shares the grief of those who lost relatives and friends because of the natural disaster. Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko also expressed condolences.