Nearly 100 Killed in Powerful Tibet Earthquake
- Update Time : 02:48:12 pm, Tuesday, 7 January 2025
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A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet, located in the northern Himalayan region, killing at least 95 people and injuring around 130 others, according to China’s state broadcaster Xinhua. The death toll is expected to rise further. Tremors were also felt in Nepal, Bhutan, southwestern China, and northern India, but no casualties have been reported from those regions so far.
The initial quake occurred at 9:05 AM on Tuesday, followed by several dozen aftershocks, each measuring 4.4 or higher on the Richter scale, as reported by the China Earthquake Networks Center. However, the U.S. Geological Survey recorded the first shock’s magnitude at 7.1.
The epicenter was located 10 kilometers deep in Tibet’s Tingri County, just 80 kilometers from Mount Everest, according to Xinhua. Tingri is known as a northern gateway to the Everest region. Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) confirmed that tremors were felt across seven districts bordering Tibet but reported no casualties or damage yet. Local authorities and security forces are gathering more information.
Tibet, an autonomous region under China, saw the most extensive damage in the Shigatse area, home to approximately 800,000 residents. President Xi Jinping announced a full-scale rescue operation to locate the missing and ensure swift delivery of food, tents, and warm clothing to those affected. The government has also committed to aiding in rehabilitation efforts for the victims.
