Published by: World Tibet Network News Wednesday, January 14, 1998

BEIJING, Jan. 14 (UPI) _ A strong earthquake has rocked remote northern Tibet but there are no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The State Seismological Bureau says the magnitude 5.6 quake shook the Kokoshili (``Coco'shelee'') Mountains just before 4 a.m. local time (3 p.m. EST Tuesday).

The rugged Himalayan region is sparsely populated by nomad herders who live primarily in tents.

A damage report is expected later Wednesday.

Strong quakes are common in the region but rarely cause injuries due to the low population density.

The temblor follows a deadly quake in north China that killed 50 and injured thousands Saturday.

Seismologists say the two events were unrelated.