Two earthquakes in Tibet killed more than 30 people and destroyed hundreds of houses on Monday, AP reported, citing state media. The first quake, measured by the U.S. Geological Survey at a magnitude of 6.6, hit at 4:30 p.m., with the epicenter located 80 kilometers west of Lhasa. The second quake, measuring 5.1, hit 15 minutes later, centered 96 kilometers west of Lhasa. Thirty people were killed in Gedar township, near the epicenter of the first quake, and an unknown number of people remain trapped. Deaths were reported in surrounding counties, but no figures were provided. Lhasa was not hit hard by the quake, and none of the city’s landmarks, including the Potala Palace, appear to have sustained damage.
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