At least 95 people lost their lives, and 130 others were injured when a powerful earthquake struck the mountainous region of Tibet on Tuesday morning.
The quake, which hit Shigatse city, a sacred area for Tibetan Buddhism, measured 7.1 on the Richter scale and originated at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey. A series of aftershocks followed, compounding the devastation.
Shigatse, known as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, suffered severe structural damage, with more than 1,000 homes destroyed. Rescue teams are actively providing assistance, despite subzero temperatures in Tingri County, near the quake’s epicenter. Footage aired on Chinese state broadcaster CCTV depicted scenes of collapsed buildings, emergency workers sifting through debris, and displaced residents receiving warm blankets.
Power and water supply in the region have been disrupted, while temperatures are expected to plummet to -18°C overnight. The earthquake also led to the cancellation of Everest sightseeing tours in Tingri, a popular base for climbers, as officials closed the area for safety.
Situated on the fault line between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, Tibet experiences frequent seismic activity. This earthquake is one of the deadliest in recent years, recalling the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake that claimed nearly 9,000 lives.
Residents in neighboring countries, including Nepal and India, reported strong tremors. While no significant damage was noted in Kathmandu, Nepalese residents were reminded of past disasters, spurring fear of potential aftershocks.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for exhaustive rescue operations to minimize casualties and resettle affected residents. The Chinese Air Force and emergency teams have been deployed to the region, utilizing advanced technology such as drones for search and rescue operations. Experts have stated that while aftershocks of magnitude 5 are likely, the possibility of a stronger quake is low.
As Tibet mourns its loss and begins rebuilding, this disaster sheds light on the fragility of life in seismically active regions. The cultural and spiritual significance of Shigatse, coupled with its natural vulnerabilities, underscores the resilience of its people amid such adversities.
