Shimla: The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has expressed deep sorrow and grave concern over the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Drachen County and surrounding areas of Nagchu in Tibet on Thursday night, and called upon Chinese govt to ensure transparent relief operations and unrestricted humanitarian access to the affected region.In a statement issued on Friday, CTA said according to figures released by Chinese authorities, at least 16 people have died and 76 have been injured. However, preliminary reports from local sources indicated that at least 20 people may have lost their lives, said CTA.CTA said severe destruction had been reported in Zasip, Marru and Gangchen areas of Drachen County. It also expressed concern over reports that Tibetan volunteers were facing restrictions on access to affected areas to provide humanitarian assistance.Although initial concerns over the structural safety of a nearby dam had reportedly eased, CTA said a thorough assessment was still needed.Highlighting the challenges posed by the onset of winter and the region’s seismic vulnerability, CTA raised concerns about the safety of homes built under Chinese govt-led resettlement programmes between 2012 and 2016, as nomadic families return to their winter residences.CTA called on Chinese govt to intensify search-and-rescue operations and provide medical care, emergency shelter, food, warm clothing and other essential supplies, with priority given to vulnerable residents. It also urged authorities to release timely and accurate information on casualties, damage and relief efforts, and ensure that affected people could communicate freely with their families and the outside world.The administration further called for respect for Tibetan religious traditions, urging authorities to allow bereaved families to conduct funerals, prayers and other rites in accordance with Tibetan Buddhist customs.It has also sought unrestricted assistance from Tibetan individuals, monasteries, civil society organisations and charitable groups across Tibet, along with access for international humanitarian organisations and independent observers to assess the damage and urgent needs.Expressing condolences to the families of those killed, CTA said it stood in solidarity with all those affected and that it would offer prayers for the deceased and the speedy recovery of the injured.
