(VOVWORLD) - Chinese authorities said Wednesday that search and rescue for earthquake survivors in the Tibet Autonomous Region was called off and focus is now shifted to the resettlement for the affected residents.
 Rescuers search for quake victims in Dingri county, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, on January 7, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) |
At the press conference, Xigaze mayor Wang Fanghong said that after more than 10,000 rescuers have been dispatched for the search-and-rescue work and have found and rescued 407 people. The work has basically ended.
In the next step, the local government will continue to increase early quake warning, maintain search and rescue work to ensure that no one is missing, and make every effort to treat the injured.
In addition, efforts will be made to ensure proper resettlement for affected residents in cold weather, prevent secondary disasters, and speed up the disaster verification and post-disaster reconstruction, said Wang.
The 6.8 magnitude quake in Tibet on Tuesday has killed 126 people, 188 others injured, and destroyed more than 3,600 houses. More than 14,600 people, including firefighters, soldiers, police, and rescue workers, were involved in the rescue operation.