Dharamshala: The leadership and staff of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), along with Tibetan residents of Dharamshala, gathered at Thekchen Chöling Tsuglagkhang for a prayer service for the victims of a magnitude 7 earthquake that struck Tibet’s Drachen County (Wylie: sbra chen rdzong; Chinese: Baqên County) in Nagchu (Chinese: Nagqu).
The prayer service was held for the quick rebirth of the deceased people and recovery of the injured ones. During this difficult time for Tibetans and other residents of the region, the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan community in exile expressed solidarity. The Kashag also issued a press statement on the disaster.
According to reports, a magnitude 7 earthquake struck Drachen Dzong around 10:33 p.m. on Thursday (1433 GMT), killing at least 20 people, injuring many more, and causing extensive property damage.
Data from the China Earthquake Networks Centre (CENC) indicate that the epicentre was located in a sparsely populated, high-altitude county in Nagchu, at a depth of 10 kilometres. The average elevation within a 5-kilometre radius of the epicentre is approximately 4,864 metres (15,960 feet).
CTA-Led Tibetans in Dharamshala Hold Prayer Service for Victims of Nagchu Earthquake. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
