HONG KONG — A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck near one of Tibet ’s holiest cities Tuesday, killing at least 53 people, Chinese state media reported. The earthquake, which was recorded just after 9 a.m. (8 p.m. ET Monday), was centered at a depth of nearly 6 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The 7.1-magnitude quake was felt in neighboring Nepal. Chinese state media said there had been deaths in at least three townships.

More than 50 people were killed when a powerful earthquake rocked a remote region of Tibet on Tuesday morning, according to Chinese state media.