In response to the 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Xizang autonomous region, the China Meteorological Administration upgraded its emergency response for earthquake-related meteorological services, the China Meteorological Administration said on Tuesday.

The devastating earthquake struck Dingri county in the city of Shigatse at 9:05 am the same day, causing significant casualties and widespread property damage.

The Xizang regional meteorological bureau has also adjusted its emergency response status accordingly, CMA said.

According to the latest weather forecast, Dingri county is expected to have mostly sunny days with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -18 C to -14 C and a maximum of 0 C to 7 C over the next three days.

Given the freezing weather conditions in the earthquake-stricken area, rescue and relief workers must take precautions against hypothermia.

Individuals in emergency shelters should be mindful of the risks associated with using open flames for heating and take necessary measures to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, it said.