A strong earthquake has struck near Shigatse, one of Tibet’s holiest cities, killing scores of people, damaging buildings, and sending people running to the streets in neighbouring Nepal and India. Chinese state media said at least 126 people had died, more than 188 had been injured, and about 1,000 houses were damaged in the quake, which hit at 9.05am on Tuesday. The US Geological Survey said the earthquake was centred in the Tibet region at a depth of about 10km (6 miles). It measured the tremor at magnitude 7.1, while China recorded it as 6.8. The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, said all-out search and rescue efforts should be carried out to minimise casualties, properly resettle the affected people, and ensure a safe and warm winter. The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, who lives in exile in India, said he was “deeply saddened” by the natural disaster. “I offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives and extend my wishes for a swift recovery to all who have been injured,” he said. Tenzin Lekshay, a spokesperson for the Central Tibetan Administration, the government in exile for Tibet, said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the extensive destruction of property in Tibet following the recent series of earthquakes. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families. We are holding a prayer service in remembrance and solidarity.” More than 1,500 local firefighters and rescue workers have been dispatched to the affected areas, Xinhua news agency reported. Some 22,000 items including cotton tents, cotton coats, quilts and folding beds have also been sent to the quake-hit region, it said. Follow link for full story...