Mount Qomolangma Scenic Area closed following deadly earthquake

Following a 6.8-magnitude earthquake, which jolted Dingri county in Shigatse of Xizang autonomous region at 09:05 am on Tuesday, the Mount Qomolangma (Everest) Scenic Area has been completely closed, Fengmian News reported.

According to public information, Dingri county is a must-pass route to Mount Qomolangma and the closest stopping point for mountain climbers and tourists heading to the world's tallest mountain.

There are two Qomolangma base camps in China, both located in Dingri county, one in the west slope base camp in the Tashigang township and the other in the east slope base camp in the area around Gamagou in Chudeng township.

A staff member at the Mount Qomolangma Scenic Area stated that tourist sightseeing vehicles which planned to visit the Mount Qomolangma area have ceased operations, and the scenic area has been completely closed, as reported by Fengmian News.

It will reopen based on the situation after the aftershocks. He mentioned that the county's power supply has not fully recovered, and specific casualty data is still being compiled, it reported.

Currently, there are three tourists in the Mount Qomolangma Scenic Area who have been safely relocated to open outdoor areas for emergency shelter.

According to a livestream by Xiaoxiang Morning News at around 11:30 am on Tuesday morning, the quake affected surrounding areas felt multiple aftershocks, and with a 4.4 magnitude quake has been strongest aftershock thus far, it said.

As CCTV reported, a strong earthquake was felt in the Kathmandu Valley on Tuesday morning as well.