A devastating 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the remote Tingri County in Tibet on Tuesday morning, claiming at least 126 lives and injuring 188 others, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. The earthquake’s epicenter, located at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), was near the border with Nepal, just 50 miles north of Mount Everest, sending tremors reverberating across the Himalayas, reaching as far as Nepal, Bhutan, and northern India.
The quake, which hit at 9:05 a.m. local time, caused widespread destruction in the sparsely populated region where over 3,600 houses were damaged, and approximately 30,000 residents have been relocated as emergency services and the Chinese military continue rescue operations. Over 400 individuals trapped under rubble have been rescued so far, while temperatures in the region are expected to drop below -18°C (0°F) in the coming days, compounding the challenges for survivors.
The hardest-hit areas are remote Himalayan villages nestled in isolated valleys, making rescue efforts particularly arduous. About 6,900 people reside in 27 villages within a 20-kilometer (12-mile) radius of the epicenter. In Shigatse, the nearest major city located 180 kilometers (111 miles) from the epicenter, surveillance footage captured goods tumbling from shelves as residents rushed to safety. However, despite the tremors, no significant structural damage has been reported in the city that is home to 800,000 people and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has urged officials to prioritize the safety and well-being of affected residents, emphasizing the need for rapid rescue and relief operations. Officials have deployed thousands of military personnel, drones, and helicopters, along with essential supplies like tents and thermal clothing.
In Nepal, the quake reignited memories of the catastrophic 2015 earthquake that claimed nearly 9,000 lives. Tremors shook the capital, Kathmandu, and nearby regions, damaging homes and causing panic. Local authorities reported 13 injuries and the destruction of several buildings.
The earthquake has also disrupted tourism around Mount Everest. Tremors prompted the evacuation of a base camp, which is normally quieter during winter. Fortunately, no casualties or significant damage occurred at the site.
As aftershocks continue, with over 500 recorded by Wednesday evening, rescue operations remain urgent. The international community’s attention now turns to supporting survivors in enduring the harsh Himalayan winter.
