The Australia Tibet Council is deeply saddened by the loss of life following the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Nagchu, Tibet.

Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, those injured, and all communities affected by this disaster.

Australia Tibet Council is concerned that information emerging from Tibet, is not a reliable picture of the earthquake’s full impact. The Chinese government has a longstanding record of lacking transparency, particularly when disasters affect Tibetans, making independent access to information essential.

Seismically unstable region
Tibet is a seismically unstable region, and large-scale dam projects in this fragile landscape put lives and communities at risk. The consequences of a major earthquake in a region of extensive dam construction could be catastrophic.

No more dams should be built in Tibet, least of all the massive Yarlung Tsangpo hydroelectric project at the Great Bend of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The safety and lives of Tibetans must not be sacrificed for megaprojects imposed without their meaningful consent.

Tibetans deserve transparency, independent access and the right to protect their unique and precious environment