Tibet earthquake: US reaction |
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Tibet earthquake kills 2,698
An earthquake of magnitude 7.1 hit Tibet at 07:49 local time on Wednesday 14 April.
Official Chinese figures put the death toll at 2,698, and some 12,000 were reported injured. Media reports stated that the quake took place in China, but Yushu was previously part of Tibet, and most of it's citizens are Tibetan.
The US Geological Survey reported that the initial quake was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks: ten minutes after the first quake a second quake of 5.3 magnitude struck. That quake was followed two minutes later by a quake of 5.2 magnitude. Another quake measuring 5.8 was recorded at 9.25am local time. Sky news has reported that 18 aftershocks in total followed the initial quake, and another quake of a magnitude od 5.2 hit the same area a month later, but this time there were no reported casualties.
Free Tibet’s Director Stephanie Brigden who worked in Yushu and knows the area well said:
“ The buildings along the main road are concrete blocks which have probably toppled like dominos, in the surrounding back streets there are more traditional wooden Tibetan homes which we hope have been able to withstand the earthquake. We already know hundreds are dead, many more injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people affected by this earthquake and their families and friends living in exile who will be frantically waiting for news. Military presence in Tibetan towns, even in remote areas like Yushu has been increasing since the Spring protests in 2008. Their presence has been intimidating and has allowed the state to respond quickly to quash protests. We are encouraged that in response to the tragedy the military have been mobilised to assist in search and rescue.”
The United States House of Representatives approved a resolution on May 20 offering its condolences to the Tibetan people for the suffering caused by the April 14 earthquake in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province.
The resolution recognized both the extreme suffering endured by the impoverished Tibetan people as well as the critical role Tibetan monks have had in the recovery efforts.
“These monks, many working in their robes with the most basic of tools, worked for hours without breaking until heavy machinery could be moved in,” Rep. Mike McMahon (D-NY), the sponsor of the resolution, speaking in front of the House of Representatives on May 19 said.
Also included in the resolution was a statement urging for the restoration of monasteries and other Buddhist religious sites affected by the disaster which it said were, “integral to the preservation of Tibetan culture and religious traditions.
Mr. McMahon called on the Chinese government to include the local Tibetan population in its reconstruction plans and also criticized his own government for not specifically mentioning the Tibetan people in the Secretary of State’s official condolence on April 15.
Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) co-sponsored the resolution and also urged the Chinese government to allow the Dalai Lama to make a visit to the region to help comfort disaster survivors.
Updated Chinese government figures state that the April 14 earthquake in killed over 2,698 people and left thousands more injured and homeless.
Since the earthquake, China's determination to politicise the disaster has become increasingly apparent.
Photos from the Yushu earthquake
His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers his condolences to the victims of the earthquake in Kyigudo
April 14th 2010
I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and property as a result of the earthquake that struck Kyigudo (Chinese - Yushu) this morning.
We pray for those who have lost their lives in this tragedy and their families and others who have been affected. A special prayer service is being held at the main temple (Tsuglagkhang) here at Dharamsala on their behalf.
It is my hope that all possible assistance and relief work will reach these people. I am also exploring how I, too, can contribute to these efforts.
An earlier statement, published on the website of the Tibetan government in exile, was made by the Kashag on the earthquake:
Kashag Offers Condolence to Earthquake Victims in Tibet
[Wednesday, 14 April 2010, 2:25 p.m.]
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We are deeply saddened by news reports which says that an earthquake has struck north-eastern Tibet with its epicentre in Kyigudo (Chinese-Yushu).
The Kashag would like to offer its sincere condolence to the families of those who lost their lives. We pray that people affected by the earthquake will receive timely rescue effort and assistance and will face this tragedy with fortitude.
(Image: Kyigudo Monastery in Tibet: Photo/Poorfish)
The Kashag statement can also be read here
The Asia Sentinel article on the aftermath can be read here
The Economist article can be read here
The BBC report and video can be seen here
The Guardian report can be read here
 Despite media reports stating that the earthquake happened in China, the disaster actually occured in the heart of Tibet, where most of the population are Tibetan. |  Tibetans in neighbouring regions came together to show their support for the relief effort, some donating the equivalent of a month's salary. |
 The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama requested permission from China to visit the quake victims in Yushu. |  Photos taken at the scene of the earthquake show both Tibetan monks and Chinese relief workers pulling victims from the rubble. |
