Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — At least 95 people have been killed after a powerful earthquake struck a remote region of Tibet on Tuesday morning, January 7, 2025. The tremors felt across the Himalayas and into neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and northern India.
The 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Shigatse, one of Tibet holiest cities, at 9:05 a.m. local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake, originating at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), was followed by multiple aftershocks, the strongest registering a magnitude of 4.4.
The epicenter was located in Tingri County on the Tibetan plateau, close to the Nepal border and about 50 miles north of Mount Everest. Tremors were reportedly felt as far away as Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
State-run Xinhua News Agency, citing regional disaster relief headquarters, confirmed the toll as aftershocks continued to shake the region. Xinhua reported at least 95 fatalities, with over 130 people injured and dozens more trapped under debris.
Widespread Devastation
The earthquake is one of the deadliest to hit China in recent years. Footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed collapsed buildings and homes reduced to rubble, with rescue workers navigating the wreckage and distributing blankets to survivors.
In Tingri County, where the quake epicenter located, three townships—Changsuo, Quluo, and Cuoguo—reported significant damage, with many structures destroyed and at least nine fatalities confirmed.
In the town of Lhatse, around 150 kilometers (93 miles) east of Shigatse, images revealed crumbled shopfronts and debris scattered across roads.
According to Al-Jazeera, the quake’s force was felt beyond China’s borders. In Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, residents rushed into the streets as buildings swayed. Areas near Lobuche, close to Mount Everest, also experienced strong tremors.
While no casualties have been reported in Nepal so far, security forces have been mobilized to assess damage and provide assistance, according to Reuters.
Rescue Activity
Nepal and southwestern China are highly seismic regions. According to CCTV, there have been 29 earthquakes with magnitudes of 3.0 or higher within 200 kilometers (124 miles) of Tuesday’s epicenter over the past five years, though none as powerful as this latest quake.
Earth’s Rotation Affected by China Massive Water Displacement
Rescue operations are underway, with China’s air force deploying drones and personnel to the affected areas. President Xi Jinping has called for an all-out effort to minimize casualties, ensure efficient search and rescue operations, and resettle displaced residents.
The full extent of the damage and casualties remains unclear as rescue efforts continue in challenging mountainous terrain.
(Raidi/Agung)
