A day after an earthquake struck Tibet, the Dharamshala-based Tibetan government-in-exile, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), has called on the Chinese government to ensure transparency and free communication.
The government-in-exile, while expressing concern, has also requested governments and the international community to urge the Chinese government to ensure transparency and unrestricted humanitarian access to the affected region. They have called on the Chinese government to intensify the search-and-rescue operations and provide medical care, emergency shelter and essential supplies to vulnerable residents. The CTA urged the Chinese government to publish timely, accurate information on casualties, damage, and relief operations, and allow affected people to communicate freely with their families and the outside world. a thorough assessment is still needed Although initial concerns about the structural safety of a nearby dam have reportedly eased.
A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Drachen County in Nagchu region of Tibet, at around 10.33 pm on October 22. At least 16 people have died and 76 have been injured, according to figures released by the Chinese authorities. The government-in-exile in its statement said, preliminary reports from credible sources received late on the night of 22 October indicate severe destruction in Zasip, Marru, and Gangchen in Drachen County. “The reports indicate that at least 20 people have lost their lives and the authorities are restricting Tibetan volunteers’ access to provide humanitarian assistance.
The full extent of the disaster remains unknown,” it said.
