Two days after catastrophic flash floods and mudslides devastated Nepal and Tibet, claiming more than 460 lives, a 5.1‑magnitude earthquake struck China’s Sichuan region on Friday.
The quake, reported by the China Earthquake Networks Centre (CENC), occurred at 1.13 pm local time at a depth of 13 km, with tremors felt in Longchang. Authorities confirmed no immediate damage.
Meanwhile, rescue operations in Tibet have been halted due to high flood risk, with emergency teams ordered to withdraw one kilometre from affected zones. Chinese officials said three lives were lost in Tibet, while Nepal’s toll has climbed to 469, with nearly 500 residents and 555 tourists evacuated.
President Xi Jinping chaired a high‑level meeting, directing emergency aid to Nepal and stressing “international relief cooperation.” Nepalese authorities, however, alleged a dam breach in Tibet, urging rescue teams and locals to move to safety. The claim has not yet been confirmed by Beijing.
The crisis has sparked tensions between Nepal and China, with Kathmandu accusing Beijing of failing to provide early warnings. China has rejected the allegations, calling for cooperation in relief efforts.
