Employees of China Railway 21st Bureau Group install prefabricated housing for residents affected by the earthquake in Gangchen township, Drachen county in Xizang autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"Once installed, the prefabricated houses will provide better wind protection and insulation than tents, helping residents withstand the high-altitude cold," Tian said.

Gangchen Township sits at an elevation of more than 4,600 meters, where nighttime temperatures can drop to minus 6 C.