Dozens of people have fallen victim to a powerful earthquake in Tibet.

The epicenter of the earthquake was recorded in the Tingri region at a depth of 10 kilometers. As noted by BBC, the tremors were felt in the city of Shigatse - one of the holiest cities in Tibet. This city is the traditional residence of the Panchen Lama, a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism, whose authority is second only to that of the Dalai Lama.

Shocks were also felt in neighboring Nepal and India. Search and rescue operations are underway in the disaster area, involving over one and a half thousand rescuers.

Earthquakes are common in this region, which is situated along a major geological fault line.