Major Earthquake Strikes Tibet Near Everest, Leaving 126 Dead and Thousands Affected.
Tibet:
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck Tibet near the foot of Mount Everest on Tuesday, killing at least 126 people and injuring 188 others. The quake, which occurred at around 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT), devastated the region, damaging over 1,000 buildings and leaving many residents trapped under rubble. The epicenter was located in the foothills of the Himalayas, in Tibet’s Shigatse city, near the border with Nepal.
Temperatures in the area were expected to plummet to -16°C (3.2°F) overnight, adding to the challenges for rescue workers and survivors. With the region’s typical harsh weather, the large-scale rescue operation is under intense pressure to locate and save as many survivors as possible before the temperatures worsen. Videos from China’s state broadcaster CCTV showed collapsed homes, wrecked buildings, and rescue teams distributing blankets to those affected.
The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (six miles), was also felt in parts of Nepal and India, both neighboring Tibet. Tremors from the quake caused significant anxiety, particularly in Kathmandu, Nepal, where the 2015 earthquake left nearly 9,000 dead. Fortunately, no major casualties were reported in Nepal, although minor damages to buildings were noted.
Tingri county, located near the epicenter, is known as a popular base for climbers preparing to ascend Everest. Sightseeing tours in the area were canceled, and tourists were moved to safety following the quake. The local infrastructure was severely disrupted, with power and water supplies cut off, and at least 40 aftershocks reported in the hours following the initial tremor.
The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, offering prayers for the victims and wishing a swift recovery for the injured. The region, home to around 800,000 people, is also significant as the seat of the Panchen Lama, an important Tibetan Buddhist figure.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered a comprehensive rescue effort and is calling for the swift resettlement of affected residents. Despite frequent seismic activity in the region due to the geological fault line, Tuesday’s earthquake is considered one of the deadliest in recent years.
