In China, concerns about the condition of hydroelectric power plants there have increased. After the 6.8 magnitude earthquake, cracks were detected in five of the fourteen structures. In some regions, residents were ordered to evacuate.
As reported at a press conference on Thursday, the reservoirs in three of the five damaged dams in Chinese Tibet have been emptied. Last week, this southwestern region was hit by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake. The epicenter of the tremors was in Tingri district, approximately 150 km southwest of the city of Xigaze (Shigatse), sacred to Tibetans, near the highest mountain in the world – Mount Everest. 126 people died and hundreds were injured in the disaster.
Evacuation of residents
In Tingri district, where the epicenter of the tremors was located, residents of six villages were ordered to evacuate to higher ground. In total, about 1,500 people had to leave their homes. Authorities said that the situation at the remaining dams is being monitored and monitoring devices are being installed on the structures.
Last week's earthquake in Tibet was one of the largest natural disasters in the country in recent years. The mainshock and subsequent strong aftershocks destroyed approximately 3,600 buildings.
Southwest China is a seismically active region due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. In 2023, a 6.2-magnitude quake in this region killed 162 people.
Main photo source: Jigme Dorje / Xinhua News Agency / Forum