A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck a remote region of Tibet on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 126 people dead and 188 others injured, according to China Central Television (CCTV). The quake, recorded at 9:05 a.m. local time at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), caused widespread destruction across the Himalayan region, with tremors reverberating in neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of northern India.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake’s epicenter in Tingri county on the Tibetan plateau, about 50 miles north of Mount Everest and near the border with Nepal. The seismic energy toppled homes in remote villages, shook the Tibetan holy city of Shigatse, and startled visitors at a Mount Everest base camp.
Impact and Casualties
The earthquake severely affected sparsely populated areas close to the epicenter, with more than 3,600 houses damaged, according to CCTV. The China Earthquake Networks Center reported at least 150 aftershocks, including 19 measuring 3.0 or higher. Xinhua news agency estimated about 6,900 people live in 27 villages within a 20-kilometer (12-mile) radius of the epicenter.
The tremors reached Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, causing panic. Bishal Nath Upreti of the Nepal Centre for Disaster Management described the scene: “It was very strong. People came running out of their houses. You could see the wires from poles shaken loose.”
Rescue efforts are underway in affected areas, with emergency teams, medical personnel, and supplies being transported by Tibet Airlines and Air China. Social media footage showed extensive damage in Lhatse county, 53 miles from the epicenter, with debris littering streets, damaged vehicles, and collapsed shopfronts.
Shigatse: A City Shaken
Shigatse, the nearest major city to the epicenter, lies about 180 kilometers (111 miles) away. Known as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, the city is home to approximately 800,000 residents. Surveillance footage from a local supermarket captured the chaos as the quake struck, with customers fleeing and goods toppling from shelves.
Despite the strong tremors, reports of significant damage in Shigatse were limited. The Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in India, expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the earthquake. I offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives and extend my wishes for a swift recovery to all who have been injured.”
Eyewitness Accounts
In Bainang County, 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Tingri, 24-year-old Pu Chi described her fear as she experienced her first earthquake. “I was lying in bed when I felt the room shake and saw the ceiling light sway. I quickly threw on some clothes and ran outside,” she told CNN.
Anna Guo, an 18-year-old college student visiting Shigatse, was preparing to travel to Mount Everest when the quake struck. “We have never felt an earthquake that strong before,” she said, recounting how the windows shook violently.
At a Mount Everest base camp, where winter tourism is less common, about 30 visitors were evacuated. Ba Luo, a staff member, reported feeling tremors but noted no structural damage.
Nepal’s Reaction
In Nepal, the quake reignited memories of the catastrophic 2015 earthquake that killed about 9,000 people. Rupesh Vishwakarmi, an official from Solukhumbu district near the Nepal-China border, said, “The tremors were very strong. Definitely, everyone is panicked.”
Nepali police reported 13 injuries, with several homes damaged, including one completely destroyed. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed the tremors had shaken buildings and left many fearful.
Rescue Operations
China deployed extensive resources to the affected regions. CCTV reported the arrival of more than 200 Chinese military soldiers in Tingri county, with 1,500 additional personnel on standby. Three villages experienced a complete communication blackout, complicating rescue efforts.
Social media videos released by China’s National Immigration Administration showed officers digging through rubble with their bare hands in search of survivors. In one village, collapsed houses and crumpled walls left residents seeking warmth by sipping hot water while sitting on roadside blankets.
President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for urgent action, directing officials to prioritize rescue operations, minimize casualties, and ensure the safety and comfort of affected residents in the harsh winter conditions.
Preparing for Winter Challenges
With temperatures expected to drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius), China’s meteorological administration urged residents to seek shelter. Local authorities dispatched thousands of tents, beds, and coats to assist survivors in Shigatse and nearby regions.
Everest Base Camp and Tourism
Although winter is not the peak season for Mount Everest climbers, the scenic area still attracts visitors. Authorities temporarily closed the Everest base camp following the quake. Nearly 500 tourists visited the area a day before the earthquake, according to Ba Luo.
Broader Implications
The quake serves as a stark reminder of the Himalayan region’s seismic vulnerability. Tibet, in particular, is an earthquake-prone zone due to the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates’ collision. The region’s isolation and rugged terrain pose additional challenges for rescue and recovery efforts.
Historical and Political Context
Tibet remains one of China’s most politically sensitive regions, with foreign access tightly controlled. Beijing has maintained strict authority over the region since the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
This earthquake, while a natural disaster, brings renewed attention to the area’s geopolitical complexities and humanitarian challenges. As rescue teams continue to work tirelessly, the international community watches closely, offering support and solidarity to those affected.