60 injured as shallow earthquake hits Tibet

Beijing

The quake, which occurred at 9:15 am (local time) near Tibet's border with Qinghai province to the north, was only seven kilometres deep.

It was strongly felt in several townships in Dengqen County in Tibet's Qamdo City and caused houses to collapse besides damaging bridges and roads.

Some media reports also said that the temblor triggered landslides.

The China Earthquake Networks Centre monitored the epicentre at a depth of seven kms. Shallow earthquakes causes more damage despite moderate intensity.

Soren, director of the Regional Seismological Bureau, said the epicentre is located in Kata Town, the site of two major Buddhist temples about 2,200 kilometres from Beijing.

The injured, who are more than 60 in number, are all from Kata. They are being treated in the People's Hospital of Qamdo City, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Samba, chief of Kata Town, said he had already seen two injured people while on his way to the village for rescue.

Roads leading to the village have caved in, the report said.

Tibet's government has urged local authorities to make every effort to support rescue work and assist quake relief.

Relief supplies, including tents, clothes, food and drink and medicine are being transported to the affected area.