New Delhi: In the early hours of Tuesday, a powerful earthquake struck the remote Dingri County in Tibet’s Xigaze city, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The quake, which occurred at 9:05 am local time, had a magnitude of 6.8 according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), though the US Geological Survey reported it as a 7.1-magnitude event.
The earthquake, centered near the border with Nepal, has claimed at least 53 lives and injured 62 people, as reported by Chinese state media Xinhua. The region, known for its high altitude and harsh winter conditions, saw many buildings collapse, with over 1,000 houses sustaining varying degrees of damage.
Rescue efforts are underway, with workers navigating through rubble to reach affected areas. Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for full-scale search and rescue operations, ensuring the safety and warmth of the residents during the harsh winter. Temperatures in Dingri are expected to drop to minus 18 degrees Celsius, complicating the relief efforts.
The quake was felt as far away as Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, and parts of India, including the state of Bihar. In Nepal, particularly in the high mountains near Mount Everest, residents reported strong tremors, though no damage or casualties were reported. Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, also experienced the quake, but with no reported damage.
Nepal, situated on a major geological faultline where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, is prone to earthquakes. In 2015, a devastating 7.8-magnitude quake in Nepal resulted in nearly 9,000 deaths and over 22,000 injuries.
Local authorities in Dingri County are assessing the impact of the quake, with disaster relief aid, including cotton tents, quilts, and other essential items, being dispatched to the affected areas.
