Quake victims to have new homes by year-end

The rebuilding of eight villages severely affected by the 6.8 magnitude earthquake in the Xizang autonomous region started on Monday, marking the start of a recovery effort aimed at relocating over 120,000 residents into new homes by the end of this year.

The launch ceremony was held in Gurum village of Dingri county in the city of Shigatse following over a month of preparations, including debris clearance, risk assessment and housing designs.

Opinions were gathered from residents to help finalize housing designs.