Tibet Earthquake: 95 Dead, Over 130 Injured in Deadly Tremor
At least 95 people have been confirmed dead and 130 injured after a powerful earthquake struck the mountainous Tibet region on Tuesday morning, Chinese state media reported.
The 7.1-magnitude earthquake, which hit Tibet’s sacred city of Shigatse around 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT), occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), according to the US Geological Survey. The tremor was followed by a series of aftershocks and was felt in neighboring Nepal and parts of India.
Devastation in a Sacred City
Shigatse, one of Tibet’s holiest cities, is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism. However, the city has also become a symbol of political tensions. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, identified as the reincarnated Panchen Lama, was taken into custody by Chinese authorities at the age of six and has not been seen since. Beijing subsequently appointed its own Panchen Lama, deepening tensions in the region.
The current Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising, remains a prominent figure for Tibetans resisting Beijing’s control. Many believe China plans to select its own Dalai Lama upon his passing, further entrenching its influence over Tibetan Buddhism.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Videos from Chinese state media showed widespread destruction in Shigatse, with homes reduced to rubble and rescue workers assisting displaced residents. With temperatures plunging to -8°C (17.6°F) and expected to drop to -18°C (0°F) at night, emergency teams distributed blankets and set up temporary shelters.
In Tingri County, near the quake’s epicenter and a popular base for Mount Everest climbers, power and water supplies were disrupted. Scheduled sightseeing tours in the area were canceled, and three visitors were evacuated to safer outdoor locations.
Chinese state media initially reported the quake as a magnitude 6.8 and confirmed damage to over 1,000 houses. Jiang Haikun, a researcher at the China Earthquake Networks Center, warned of potential aftershocks but ruled out the likelihood of a larger earthquake.
President Xi Jinping called for “all-out efforts” in search and rescue operations and emphasized resettling displaced residents. The Chinese air force has deployed personnel and drones to assist with relief efforts.
Memories of Past Disasters
The region, which lies on a fault line between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, is prone to frequent seismic activity. In 2015, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake near Kathmandu, Nepal, killed nearly 9,000 people and left over 20,000 injured.
Tuesday’s tremors, which were felt as far away as Kathmandu, revived memories of that disaster for many residents. “In 2015, I couldn’t even move during the quake,” said Manju Neupane, a shop owner in Kathmandu. “Today wasn’t as bad, but I’m scared another major earthquake could strike.”
While Nepal reported minor damages and cracks in buildings, no casualties have been confirmed, according to officials from the National Emergency Operations Centre.
As search-and-rescue efforts continue in Tibet, experts warn of the ongoing risks in a region deeply familiar with the devastating power of earthquakes.
