Beijing/Kathmandu: A devastating earthquake struck Tibet on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 95 people dead and 130 injured. The quake, which hit at 9:05 am local time (01:05 GMT), was recorded at a magnitude of 6.8 by the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) and 7.1 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquake originated at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles) and caused tremors that were felt across Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, and northern parts of India, including Bihar. In Bihar, residents in several districts such as Patna, Madhubani, and Muzaffarpur rushed outdoors in panic. However, no significant property damage has been reported in India.
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported two aftershocks shortly after the main quake. A second tremor of magnitude 4.7 struck at 7:02 am, followed by a 4.9-magnitude quake at 7:07 am.
In Tibet, central authorities have dispatched disaster relief supplies, including tents, quilts, and provisions for high-altitude areas. The region’s Dingri County, home to around 62,000 residents and located near Mount Everest, was among the worst-hit areas. Despite the impact, tourist facilities and hotel buildings in the region reportedly remained intact.
About 1,500 fire and rescue personnel have been deployed to search for survivors in the rubble. President Xi Jinping called for “full-scale search and rescue efforts” and emphasized ensuring the safety and well-being of affected residents during the harsh winter.
The earthquake also caused a power outage at the Qomolangma Station for Atmospheric and Environmental Research in Dingri, according to state media. Scenic areas on the Chinese side of Mount Everest have been temporarily closed to tourists.
The tremors in Nepal triggered panic among residents, particularly in Kathmandu and northern regions closer to Everest. Many recalled the 2015 earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people and injured over 22,000. However, Nepal Police spokesperson Bishwo Adhikari confirmed no major damage or casualties as of now.
“The quake shook strongly here, and everyone is awake,” said government official Jagat Prasad Bhusal from Nepal’s Namche region.
Tuesday’s earthquake is the strongest recorded within a 200-kilometer radius of the epicenter in the last five years, according to the CENC. The region, situated along the tectonic collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian plates, is prone to seismic activity.
China has witnessed several deadly earthquakes in recent years. In December 2023, a quake in northwest China’s Gansu province killed 148 people and displaced thousands. Subzero temperatures during that disaster complicated rescue efforts.
With search and rescue operations underway in Tibet and monitoring of aftershocks continuing, authorities in China, Nepal, and India remain on high alert for further developments. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic hazards and the urgent need for preparedness.
