7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Near Shigatse; Tremors Felt in Nepal and India
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck near Shigatse, Tibet, on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 53 people dead and 62 others injured. The tremors were felt as far as Nepal and parts of India, hundreds of kilometers away from the epicenter.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake, which occurred at 9:05 AM local time, had a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The Chinese Earthquake Networks Center reported a slightly lower magnitude of 6.8, though both sources confirmed the event’s destructive force. Multiple aftershocks followed, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 4.4.
The quake caused widespread devastation, particularly in the remote mountain villages surrounding Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city and a spiritual hub for Tibetan Buddhists. The area is known for its religious significance, being the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, second only to the Dalai Lama in spiritual hierarchy.
Chinese state media, citing local sources, confirmed that at least 53 people had been killed and 62 injured. Several buildings collapsed, and local reports indicated numerous fatalities. Images from the affected areas showed extensive damage, with houses and buildings reduced to rubble.
Access to the region remains difficult due to its remote location in the Himalayas and the harsh winter conditions, making rescue operations even more challenging. Emergency teams are working to reach affected villages, but the region’s inaccessibility hampers efforts.
The earthquake’s tremors were also felt in neighboring Nepal and parts of northern India, underscoring the seismic activity common in this region, which lies along the tectonic plate boundary known for frequent quakes.
Tibet, located along a major fault line, is prone to seismic events, and authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage. Rescue operations are ongoing, with both local and national emergency teams dispatched to assist those affected by the disaster.
