Web Desk
On Tuesday, a powerful earthquake struck the remote Tibet region of China, claiming at least 53 lives and causing widespread destruction. The tremors were felt as far as Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, and parts of northern India.
The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 6.8, hit Dingri County near the Nepal border at 9:05 am local time (0105 GMT), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The US Geological Survey reported it as a magnitude 7.1 tremor. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV released shocking footage showing buildings reduced to rubble, homes torn apart, and debris scattered across the region.
Rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene, helping survivors and providing essential supplies, such as thick blankets to combat the harsh winter temperatures. The footage also showed a store where shelves shook violently, causing objects like toys to fall to the ground.
Impact and Casualties
By noon on Tuesday, Chinese state news agency Xinhua confirmed that at least 53 people had died, with 62 injured. Over 1,000 homes were reported damaged in Dingri County and surrounding areas. This region, located near Mount Everest and at a high altitude, is home to around 62,000 people. Despite frequent earthquakes in the region, this was the most severe tremor in the last five years.
The temperature in Dingri was already -8°C (17.6°F) and was expected to drop further to -18°C (0°F) by evening. The harsh conditions have made rescue and relief operations more challenging. Local authorities have sent disaster relief supplies, including cotton tents and quilts designed for cold, high-altitude environments.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
In response to the devastation, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged for large-scale rescue operations, emphasizing the need to minimize casualties, ensure adequate resettlement, and provide warmth to the affected population during winter. Local authorities have been reaching out to townships in the area to assess the full impact.
Tremors Felt in Nepal and India
The earthquake was also felt strongly in Nepal, particularly in the Everest region near Lobuche and in Kathmandu. While the tremors woke people in Nepal’s Namche region, no fatalities or damage were reported. Security forces have been deployed to monitor the situation, according to Nepal’s Home Ministry spokesman, Rishi Ram Tiwari.
Although the region is prone to seismic activity due to the geological fault where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, this earthquake’s impact was comparatively less severe in Nepal. The 2015 earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.8, killed nearly 9,000 people in Nepal.
In India, tremors were felt in Bihar, but no injuries were reported.
