BREAKING: 7.1-Magnitude Earthquake in Tibet Leaves at Least 53 Dead
A devastating 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Tibet Autonomous Region on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, causing significant loss of life and widespread damage. The earthquake’s epicenter was located near the border with Nepal, in Dingri County of Xigaze City, at a depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles).
According to multiple reports, the death toll has reached at least 53, with 62 others injured. The tremors were felt across a broad region, including Nepal, parts of India like Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal, as well as Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Local authorities in Tibet have reported that several buildings collapsed near the epicenter, particularly affecting the villages of Changsuo, Quluo, and Cuoguo in Dingri County. The average altitude around the epicenter is around 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), making rescue operations challenging due to the harsh mountainous terrain and cold weather.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measured the earthquake at 7.1 magnitude, while China’s earthquake monitoring agency reported it as 6.8. The discrepancy in magnitude reports is not uncommon due to differences in measurement methodologies.
This area is prone to seismic activity as it lies on the fault line where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, forming the Himalayan mountains. Over the past century, there have been at least 10 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher in this region, highlighting the geological volatility.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with Chinese authorities deploying air force resources, including drones, to assist in search and rescue. Power and water supplies have been disrupted in the affected areas, prompting an urgent response for relief and rehabilitation.
President Xi Jinping has called for all-out efforts to minimize casualties and help resettle those affected. No casualties have been reported in neighboring Nepal, despite the strong tremors felt in Kathmandu.
This earthquake follows a history of significant seismic events in the region, with past events like the 2015 Nepal earthquake (7.8 magnitude) and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake (7.9 magnitude) serving as grim reminders of the potential for devastation in this geologically active zone.
