An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale struck the Tibetan city of Shigatse in the early hours of Monday, according to the China Earthquake Administration (CEA). The tremor occurred at 5:11 a.m. local time (2111 GMT) at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), a factor that often increases the intensity of surface shaking.

Emergency response teams have been deployed to the affected area, although no casualties or major damage have been reported as of yet, CEA confirmed in an initial update.

The incident comes just months after a deadly earthquake struck the region. In January, a 6.8-magnitude quake in Tingri County, located approximately 240 kilometres (149 miles) from Shigatse, claimed more than 120 lives and caused widespread destruction.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation in Shigatse and surrounding areas for aftershocks or delayed reports of damage. The region, part of the seismically active Himalayan belt, experiences frequent tremors due to ongoing tectonic activity.

Further updates are expected as emergency teams assess the situation on the ground.

Melissa Enoch

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