Chinese military sends drone to aid quake rescue in Xizang

BEIJING -- The Chinese military has sent a drone to survey the epicenter after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Shigatse in Southwest China's Xizang autonomous region at 9:05 am Tuesday (Beijing Time), according to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theater Command.

It said the theater command's air force immediately activated a disaster relief emergency plan, adding that a team of transport and medical planes, helicopters and ground forces is on standby to assist with disaster relief.

The Western Theater Command has dispatched staff to the affected area to coordinate rescue efforts.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the People's Armed Police Force Xizang Contingent had deployed over 400 officers and soldiers to the earthquake-stricken area for rescue operations.

Additionally, approximately 2,000 officers and soldiers from the PLA and armed police stationed in Xizang are on standby to provide reinforcements.

A total of 95 people have been confirmed dead and 130 others injured as of 3 p.m. Tuesday after the earthquake jolted Dingri county in the city of Shigatse.