A devastating 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck a remote region of Tibet on Tuesday morning, claiming at least 53 lives and injuring 62 others, according to Chinese state media. The quake, which struck at 9:05 a.m. local time, was followed by multiple aftershocks, shaking neighboring Nepal and parts of northern India.
Epicenter and Impact
- The US Geological Survey (USGS) and the China Earthquake Networks Center identified the epicenter in Tingri County, located on the remote Tibetan Plateau near the Himalayan border with Nepal.
- The affected area is sparsely populated, with approximately 6,900 residents across 27 villages within a 20-kilometer (12-mile) radius of the epicenter.
Damage Reported
- Over 1,000 houses were damaged in Tingri County, leaving many residents displaced.
- Lhatse County, situated 86 kilometers (53 miles) from the epicenter, experienced significant structural damage. Videos on Chinese social media showed:
- Collapsed roofs and shop fronts.
- Debris littering streets.
- Damaged vehicles parked along roadsides.
- Surveillance footage from Shigatse, the nearest major city 180 km (111 miles) from the epicenter, showed customers fleeing as goods tumbled from shelves in a supermarket.
Rescue Efforts
- Rescue teams, including units from the Chinese Air Force, have been deployed to assist in search and rescue operations.
- Several villages have lost phone signals, complicating communication and rescue efforts.
- As of noon Tuesday, 49 aftershocks had been recorded, posing continued challenges for relief operations.
Chinese Government Response
Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a statement emphasizing:
- All-out efforts to rescue survivors.
- Providing proper accommodation and ensuring safety for affected residents.
- Addressing the challenges of the harsh winter cold to safeguard survivors.
Regional Context
- The region, located in the rugged Himalayan valleys, is known for its difficult terrain and limited accessibility, complicating relief efforts.
- Shigatse, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, holds spiritual significance in Tibetan Buddhism.
International Tremors
- The earthquake’s tremors were felt across Nepal and parts of northern India, highlighting the broader seismic activity in the Himalayan region.
The earthquake has caused widespread destruction and loss of life, with rescue and recovery efforts continuing amid aftershocks. The harsh winter conditions add urgency to relief operations as authorities work to provide shelter and warmth for displaced residents.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy.
