Xi orders all-out rescue work in Xizang

Power supply and communication networks are being restored gradually in the hardest-hit areas. All 628 mobile base stations, which were knocked offline by the earthquake, were restored by 10:30 am on Friday, according to the Xizang Communications Administration.

Meng Linghe, Party chief of Drachen, said the quake-hit areas have an average elevation of nearly 4,800 meters, which means temperatures plummet after dusk. In addition to the freezing weather, the possibility of secondary disasters, such as landslides, poses grave risks, he said.

As scattered snow showers are expected in the coming days, with ice and snow likely to cover high-altitude road sections, Meng urged rescue teams to remain alert and exercise caution when transporting personnel and supplies to the affected areas.

Meanwhile, a magnitude 4.5 earthquake hit Zadoi county in neighboring Qinghai province at 10:14 pm on Friday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 km, with its epicenter located around 20 km from the epicenter of the Drachen temblor.

Li Hongyang and Liu Boqian contributed to this story.