By Joe Cash and Ryan Woo BEIJING (Reuters) -Authorities moved more than 45,000 people in earthquake-hit Tibet to shelters in a massive rescue operation near the foot of the Himalayas, as they wound down the search in a high-altitude environment where the odds of survival were always slim.

China recorded the magnitude as 6.8. The U.S. Geological Survey said it measured 7.1, with an epicenter some 50 miles northeast of Mount Everest.

At least 188 people were injured in Tibet on the Chinese side of the border, state broadcaster CCTV reported, citing the vice mayor of Shigatse city. More than 1000 homes were damaged in the barren and sparsely populated region, CCTV said. In video posted by the broadcaster, building debris littered streets and crushed cars.