OREANDA-NEWS An earthquake of magnitude 6.8 in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, according to the latest data, claimed the lives of 53 people, more than 60 were injured, the Chinese seismological center reported.

The tremor occurred on Tuesday at 09:05 local time (04:05 Moscow time). The epicenter of the earthquake was recorded in Tingri county, it lay at a depth of 10 km.

Search and rescue operations are underway, more than 1.5 thousand rescuers are involved.

Chinese President Xi Jinping demanded that every effort be made to conduct search and rescue operations in order to minimize casualties, resettle victims and ensure safety.