A 7.1 earthquake hit Tibet’s Shigatse on January 7, killing 95 people and injuring 130.
Awesome Big Earthquake Cools Tibet and Ruins Even More
On January 7, 2025, at 9.05 am, a gigantic seismic event struck the Tibet Autonomous Region near Shigatse city with a measured tremor of 7.1 on the Richter scale. The earthquake caused at least 95 deaths and over 130 injuries, and shocks at that time spread across neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and India.
Epicenter and Magnitude
The quake’s epicenter was located in Tingri County, about 75 kilometers north of Mount Everest. Earthquake China Networks Center recorded the seismic disturbance at a magnitude of 6.8, but United States Geological Survey registered it as 7.1 at the shallow depth of 10 kilometers.
Death and Damage and Rescue
More than 1,000 houses have been reported to collapse from earthquake tremors in the area, and many of the trapped have still not managed to escape. Rescue operations are still in place with more than 1,500 firefighters and other personnel sent to the affected area by their respective countries. Chinese President Zhi Jinping has, however, placed a call for the entire country’s head to be mobilized to avert further loss of life.
Himalayas Wide Impact on Regions
Buildings were shaken sharply in the capital Kathmandu, as far away as here, which concerned the citizens enough to send them outside. In India, especially in Bihar, the quake was also felt, causing panic among people. In most of the other impacted countries, there seems to be nothing important damage-wise or casualty-wise as a result of the tremors, even though it should be very widespread.
Historical Context and Aftershocks
Multiple aftershocks have been recorded, the strongest being 4.4 on the Richter scale. This development created fears of further structural damage and endangerment to residents. Meanwhile, Mount Qomolangma Scenic Area (Mount Everest) has been closed temporarily by authorities for the public’s safety. It would probably be the most powerful earthquake in recent memory in this region. Because of the confluence of Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, the Himalayas would be experiencing seismic activity prone to earthquakes.
Conclusion
The earthquake that struck Tibet recently brought with it extensive loss of life and property. Its aftereffects are being felt by neighboring countries as well. Search and rescue operations continue as the authorities try to help the disaster-struck areas get back on their feet.
