Mirziyoyev expresses condolences to Xi Jinping

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has extended his condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping following a devastating earthquake in Dingji County, Shigatse City, in southwestern China. The earthquake resulted in significant casualties and injuries. The statement was made by the Presidential Spokesperson, Sherzod Asadov.

"The head of state conveyed his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured," the report noted.

The earthquake struck at 9:05 AM on January 7, registering a magnitude of 7.1. It affected Tibet County in China. Seismologists recorded 49 aftershocks following the main tremor. According to state-run CCTV, the quake caused severe tremors in Dingji County and surrounding areas, leading to the collapse of numerous buildings near the epicenter. The tremors were felt as far as 400 km from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, prompting residents to flee their homes.

The tremors were also felt in the northern Indian state of Bihar; however, no significant damage has been reported.

According to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), earthquakes are common in the mountainous Himalayan region. However, this earthquake was the strongest recorded within a 200 km radius in the past five years.

As of 8:05 PM local time, the earthquake in Dingri district had claimed the lives of 95 people and left 130 others injured.