A 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Tibet, Causing Massive Casualties and Destruction, with Neighboring Countries Affected
A powerful earthquake struck Tibet, China, on January 7, resulting in at least 95 fatalities and leaving over 130 people injured. The earthquake, registering a magnitude of 6.8, hit Tingri county near the border with Nepal at 9:05 AM local time. The tremors caused significant destruction, collapsing numerous buildings across the region. Tremors were also felt in neighbouring Nepal, particularly in Kathmandu, as well as parts of India.
Xinhua news agency reported that over 1,000 homes were damaged, and rescue teams have been working relentlessly to clear the rubble and assist survivors. In the freezing temperatures, blankets and other relief supplies have been provided to those affected. CCTV footage captured the extent of the destruction, showing damaged homes and frightened residents seeking safety from the violent shakes.
Local resident Sangji Dangzhi recounted the dire situation, saying, “The houses here are made of dirt, so they collapsed when the earthquake hit,” as ambulances rushed victims to hospitals throughout the day.
The earthquake’s epicentre was located in Tingri county, a high-altitude area near Mount Everest, where temperatures fell to minus 8°C and are expected to plunge to minus 18°C at night. In response, the Chinese government has dispatched disaster relief supplies, including cotton tents and quilts, to help those affected by the extreme cold.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged for swift and coordinated rescue efforts to minimise further loss of life, and teams have been deployed to assess the damage across the region.
Tremors from the earthquake also reached Nepal, particularly in areas close to Mount Everest, such as Namche. However, no fatalities or major damage have been reported in Nepal as of now. “The shaking was strong here. Everyone was awake,” said a local official. In India, tremors were also experienced in Bihar, but no injuries have been recorded.
This earthquake is the strongest in the region in the last five years, according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre. Tibet’s mountainous geography, coupled with the tectonic activity in the region, makes it particularly prone to seismic events. The recent earthquake follows previous tremors, including the January 2024 earthquake near the China-Kyrgyzstan border and a destructive earthquake in Gansu province in December 2023.
As rescue operations continue, the region faces the immediate challenge of clearing debris and offering aid to survivors, with long-term recovery efforts expected to take time.
