Tibet, Jan 07 (V7N) — A powerful earthquake struck Tibet on Tuesday, claiming at least 53 lives and causing widespread destruction, according to AFP. The quake, reported to have a magnitude of 6.8 by Chinese state media, caused many houses to collapse and left the region in shock.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS), however, recorded the earthquake's magnitude at 7.1, with its epicenter located 10 kilometers below the surface near Tibet's second-largest city, Shigatse, as reported by China's Xinhua News Agency.

The tremors were also felt in neighboring Nepal and India, adding to regional concerns. Rescue operations are underway as emergency teams work to assist those affected and search for survivors trapped under rubble.

Further updates are awaited as authorities assess the full scale of the disaster and continue relief efforts.

END/RH/AJ