A powerful earthquake in Tibet has trapped more than 400 people. However, Chinese officials confirmed that many have been rescued. The search for survivors continues, as over 30,000 residents have been relocated.
Details of the Earthquake
On Tuesday, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Tingri in Tibet, about 80 km (50 miles) from Mount Everest. This was one of the region’s strongest earthquakes in recent years. The shockwaves also affected neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and India. The quake occurred in a high-altitude area, where temperatures plummeted overnight, putting survivors at risk of hypothermia and dehydration.
Damage and Casualties
The earthquake caused massive destruction. In Tibet’s Shigatse region, over 3,600 homes were destroyed. This area, home to 800,000 people, was hit hard. Initial reports show that 126 people have died and 188 others have been injured in Tibet. Thankfully, there have been no reported fatalities in Nepal or other affected areas. Rescue teams, including 500 personnel and 106 ambulances, have been sent to assist.
A massive 7.1M earthquake struck the Nepal-Tibet border, claiming 53 lives in Tibet and 9 in Nepal, with over 62 injured. Rescue efforts with 1,500+ workers ongoing. Thoughts with the victims and their families. #NepalEarthquake #TibetQuake pic.twitter.com/9I4HCMOFop
— JAS (@JasADRxquisites) January 7, 2025
Harsh Conditions and Relief Efforts
Temperatures dropped to as low as minus 18°C (0°F), making life even harder for the displaced. By late Tuesday, essential supplies like tents, food, and generators reached the affected region. Additionally, roads that were damaged in the quake were cleared, allowing for better access. The region’s frequent earthquakes are linked to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Aftershocks and Seismic Activity
Since the initial quake, over 500 aftershocks have been recorded, some reaching up to magnitude 4.4. The Qinghai-Tibetan plateau is known for its seismic activity. In the last five years, there have been 29 quakes with magnitudes of 3 or higher near the epicenter of Tuesday’s tremor. This earthquake is the worst since the 2023 quake that killed 149 people and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake that claimed 70,000 lives.
6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Shigatse, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China
⚠️ Epicenter in Tingri County, known for its proximity to Mount Everest, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Earthquake resulted in significant casualties, with at least 95 people reported dead… pic.twitter.com/rPa2NWx4R2
— Culture War (@CultureWar2020) January 7, 2025
China’s Response and Criticism
China has been criticized for its treatment of Tibet, particularly regarding religious and cultural rights. Despite this, the government is focused on the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
Tremors with a magnitude of 6.8 (according to the United States – 7.1) destroyed more than 1,000 houses in China's Tibet Autonomous Region near the border with Nepal.
According to the latest reports, 53 people were killed and 62 were injured.
Search and rescue efforts continue.… pic.twitter.com/x99Eu7cGa1
— F̳̿͟͞l̳̿͟͞i̳̿͟͞c̳̿͟͞k̳̿͟͞ (@Flick1_) January 7, 2025
