Xizang bolsters disease prevention, water supply efforts after earthquake

As Dingri County in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region recovers from a 6.8-magnitude earthquake, authorities are prioritizing public health measures such as disease prevention, regular disinfection, and the swift establishment of emergency water supply systems to aid affected communities.

To prevent the spread of diseases commonly associated with earthquakes as well as the winter season, such as intestinal and respiratory illnesses, officials have implemented daily disinfection measures in Qulho Township with workers sent to test drinking water every three days. While awaiting test results, residents are receiving mineral and purified water supplied by the government and volunteers.

"We visited all villages every day to disinfect public areas, and to see if there's anyone who suffers from the cold, coughs and diarrhea," said Karma Tsomo, a staff member at the Dingri County Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Neighboring Saga and Nyalam counties have implemented similar measures, while Chamco Township, one of the hardest-hit areas, has received additional support from the Xigaze Center.

In these areas, residents have also been educated on post-earthquake health precautions, including avoiding untreated water and staying warm during the winter.

"We also lectured them on how to keep healthy after the earthquake. For example, we told them not to casually drink water, and highlighted the importance of keeping warm since it's easy to suffer from flu in winter," Karma Tsomo added.

In Cuoguo Township, the first smart emergency water supply system, capable of producing 100 tons of purified water and 1,500 tons of tap water daily, has been under construction. The first emergent water supply point has already been connected to the system.

Workers are now extending pipelines to nearby villages and temporary relocation sites, with the goal of providing safe drinking water to nearly 5,000 residents.

"The government has built a new water collection point. The water quality is good and it's very convenient. We are deeply grateful to the Party and the government for their efforts," said Danzeng Langga, a resident of Gaguo Village in Cuoguo Township.

Dingri County is also establishing prefabricated housing and centralized relocation sites across 26 villages during the transition period.

To date, eight relocation sites have been completed, with temporary pipelines ensuring water supply for residents' daily needs. In other townships, temporary tents have been set up, and existing water supply systems have been assessed as sufficient to meet local demands.

Efforts to mitigate health risks, including the disinfection of debris and animal remains, are ongoing as authorities strive to restore safe and healthy living conditions for the affected population.

The 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County at 09:05 on January 8, causing extensive damage. At least 126 people have been confirmed dead, while 188 others have been reported injured.

Xizang bolsters disease prevention, water supply efforts after earthquake

China is ready to work with Argentina to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and bring the bilateral relations to a new level, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday.

This will benefit the people of the two countries and help China and Latin America achieve common development and prosperity, Wang said. He made the remarks during a meeting with his Argentine counterpart Gerardo Werthein on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich Security Conference.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the Chinese and Argentine people have enjoyed a long-standing friendship, and China-Argentina cooperation is equal and mutually beneficial.

Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Argentine President Javier Milei held a meeting and reached important consensus on consolidating and developing bilateral relations, said Wang.

China is willing to work with Argentina to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and strengthen exchanges at the high level and in all fields, so as to bring the bilateral relations to a new level and better benefit the people of both countries, he said.

Wang also said the two sides should continue to respect and accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns, and continuously consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations.

Wang pointed out that China does not seek spheres of influence, nor does it participate in geopolitical competition. In international affairs, China firmly practices multilateralism and is willing to work with Latin American countries, including Argentina, to firmly safeguard the international rule of law and the basic norms of international relations, he said.

Wang noted that China-Argentina relations are an important part of China-Latin America relations. Over the past decade since its establishment, the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum has effectively promoted China-Latin America cooperation and brought tangible benefits to the people of both sides, he said.

China is willing to work with Latin American countries to support the development and growth of the China-CELAC Forum, helping China and Latin America achieve common development and prosperity, said Wang.

Werthein said that Argentina attaches great importance to its relations with China, and looks forward to strengthening high-level exchanges and deepening pragmatic cooperation with China.

Noting that Argentina appreciates China's support for Argentina's defense of its sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands, Werthein said Argentina firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to become a reliable and stable cooperative partner of China.

Werthein also said that Argentina will play an active role in promoting the development of Latin America-China relations on the basis of strengthening bilateral relations.

China ready to push ties with Argentina to higher level: FM