At least 32 individuals have lost their lives, and 38 have sustained injuries due to a major earthquake that struck Tibet's Shigatse city early Tuesday morning, according to reports from Chinese state media. The earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.1, with a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), as indicated by data from the US Geological Survey. The tremors, occurring around 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT), triggered a series of subsequent aftershocks across the region.
China Earthquake Strikes Tibet, Causing Significant Casualties and Damage
China Earthquake Strikes Tibet, Causing Significant Casualties and Damage
A powerful earthquake in Tibet leads to casualties and emergency response efforts as communities react to the disaster.
Tremors were also experienced in neighboring areas of Nepal and India, highlighting the geological vulnerability of this fault-line affected region. Shigatse, revered as one of Tibet's holiest cities and traditionally associated with the Panchen Lama, has faced notable infrastructure damage, with over 1,000 houses reportedly affected. Initial assessments by Chinese state media suggested a slightly lower magnitude of 6.8, which still caused substantial disruption.
Social media has showcased images of collapsed buildings, and aftershocks continue to be a concern. According to Jiang Haikun from the China Earthquake Networks Center, the aftermath of such a disaster involves an expected gradual decline in seismic activity, although the potential for smaller quakes remains.
Rescue operations are underway, with the Chinese air force deploying resources, including drones, to assist those impacted. The affected region, situated near the base of Mount Everest, is currently experiencing extreme cold, compounding the challenges for residents as essential services, including power and water, have been disrupted.
Authorities in Tibet's earthquake bureau are still in the process of assessing and confirming casualty figures. In contrast, local officials in Nepal reported no associated casualties or damages from the tremors felt there. The region’s seismic history is notable; it was struck by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake near Kathmandu in 2015, resulting in nearly 9,000 deaths and extensive injuries.
The ongoing recovery and support efforts remain crucial for the affected communities as they confront the repercussions of this natural disaster.
Social media has showcased images of collapsed buildings, and aftershocks continue to be a concern. According to Jiang Haikun from the China Earthquake Networks Center, the aftermath of such a disaster involves an expected gradual decline in seismic activity, although the potential for smaller quakes remains.
Rescue operations are underway, with the Chinese air force deploying resources, including drones, to assist those impacted. The affected region, situated near the base of Mount Everest, is currently experiencing extreme cold, compounding the challenges for residents as essential services, including power and water, have been disrupted.
Authorities in Tibet's earthquake bureau are still in the process of assessing and confirming casualty figures. In contrast, local officials in Nepal reported no associated casualties or damages from the tremors felt there. The region’s seismic history is notable; it was struck by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake near Kathmandu in 2015, resulting in nearly 9,000 deaths and extensive injuries.
The ongoing recovery and support efforts remain crucial for the affected communities as they confront the repercussions of this natural disaster.
