Earthquake Strikes Tibet, Killing At Least 95
A powerful earthquake hit Tibet’s Shigatse region early Tuesday morning, claiming at least 95 lives and injuring 130 people, according to Chinese state media. The quake, recorded at a magnitude of 7.1 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), struck at 9:05 a.m. local time. The epicenter was in Tingri county according to state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV), a remote area near Mount Everest, where temperatures are frigid, adding to the challenges faced by rescue teams.
Temperatures in Tingri are expected to plummet to -18°C (0°F) overnight, raising concerns for those left homeless. Thick blankets and emergency supplies are being distributed to affected residents.
Chinese authorities deployed 1,500 rescue workers to search for survivors in the rubble of collapsed buildings. The Ministry of Emergency Management said ongoing aftershocks, including one of 4.4 magnitude, have hindered rescue efforts. Footage from the scene shows firefighters wading through debris, with helicopters and drones assisting in the operation.
President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out search and rescue efforts to minimize casualties and resettle affected residents." Tingri county, a popular base for Everest climbers, has seen disruptions to power, water, and tourism activities. Local officials confirmed the evacuation of visitors from the area as sightseeing tours were canceled.
Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, was among the hardest-hit areas. Buildings crumbled in several townships surrounding the city, and over 1,000 homes were reported damaged.
The quake's tremors extended beyond China, shaking parts of Nepal, Bhutan, and northern India. In Nepal’s Kathmandu, many residents ran into the streets, recalling the devastating 2015 earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people. Despite the strong tremors, Nepal reported only minor damage and no casualties.
Earthquakes are not uncommon in this seismically active region, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. Over the past five years, the area has experienced 29 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or higher. However, experts believe the likelihood of a larger quake following this one is low.
This tragedy adds to the long history of deadly earthquakes in the region. The Sichuan earthquake of 2008 killed nearly 70,000 people, and memories of Nepal’s catastrophic quake still linger. As rescue efforts continue, officials and residents remain on edge, bracing for potential aftershocks.
China has a tight grip on the Tibetan region, controlling its media and communication channels. The earthquake highlights both the resilience of the local population and the immense challenges of disaster response in such a remote, politically sensitive area.
