A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck the remote Tibetan plateau on Tuesday morning, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The quake, which hit at 9:05 a.m. local time, was centered in Tingri County, near the border with Nepal, and was felt across the Himalayan region, including Nepal, Bhutan, and north India.
Significant Loss of Life and Damage
At least 95 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 130 injured. Local authorities reported that over 1,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in Tingri County alone, leaving many residents homeless in harsh winter conditions. According to state news agency Xinhua, the quake affected 6,900 people living in 27 villages within a 20-kilometer (12-mile) radius of the epicenter.
The earthquake’s shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), as recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), amplified its destructive force, toppling buildings, and triggering landslides in sparsely populated but geographically challenging regions.
Impact on Local Communities
Residents in the holy city of Shigatse, located 180 kilometers (111 miles) from the epicenter, felt strong tremors, though no significant structural damage was reported in the city itself. Surveillance footage from a supermarket in Shigatse captured shoppers scrambling for safety as goods tumbled from shelves.
In Lhatse County, around 86 kilometers (53 miles) from the epicenter, social media videos revealed scenes of collapsed roofs, debris-strewn streets, and damaged vehicles. Rescue teams reported significant difficulties in reaching affected areas due to landslides and blocked roads.
Affected Regions in Neighboring Countries
tremors extended beyond Tibet’s borders, shaking buildings in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, and sparking fear among residents. Bishal Nath Upreti from the Nepal Centre for Disaster Management described the experience as “very strong,” with people rushing outdoors as wires shook and debris fell. In Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, near Mount Everest, locals described the quake as a terrifying reminder of the devastating 2015 earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people.
Mount Everest and Tourism Disruptions
earthquake also disrupted tourism activities in the region. A base camp near Mount Everest was temporarily shut down, and approximately 30 visitors were evacuated. Ba Luo, a staff member at base camp, reported feeling tremors but noted that no structural damage had occurred. Winter typically sees fewer visitors to Everest, but the area remains a popular destination for scenic Himalayan views.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Rescue operations are in full swing, with over 1,700 military personnel mobilized, including an advance team of 200 soldiers deployed to Tingri County. Chinese Air Force and immigration police have also joined the search for survivors. Social media footage showed officers digging through rubble with ir bare hands and residents huddling under makeshift shelters. Three villages lost phone connectivity, further complicating rescue efforts.
As of noon Tuesday, the China Earthquake Networks Center reported 49 aftershocks, heightening fears of additional collapses. State broadcaster CCTV highlighted the urgency of the situation, showing scenes of destroyed homes and displaced villagers enduring freezing temperatures.
Official Response and Historical Context
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an all-out effort to save lives, provide shelter, and ensure that affected residents are safe and warm. “Every effort must be made to minimize casualties and restore normalcy,” he stated in an official statement.
Tibet’s history of seismic activity and its challenging terrain complicate disaster response efforts. The region’s political sensitivity adds another layer of complexity, as foreign access is tightly restricted. Beijing has maintained stringent control over Tibet since 1959, following Dalai Lama’s exile after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
A Region in Recovery
As rescue teams work tirelessly to locate survivors and provide aid, the region faces a daunting recovery. The earthquake has left behind a trail of devastation, testing the resilience of communities and the effectiveness of disaster response mechanisms in this remote and politically sensitive area.
International observers and neighboring countries are monitoring the situation closely, with offers of assistance likely to follow as full-scale disasters become clear.
