Powerful Earthquake Strikes Tibet, Leaving 53 Dead
A devastating earthquake struck Tibet on Tuesday morning, killing at least 53 people and injuring 62 others, according to Chinese state media reports. The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.1, hit the remote Tibetan plateau at 9:05 a.m. local time. Following the main quake, multiple aftershocks were reported, amplifying the destruction.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that the epicenter was located high in the Tibetan plateau, near the Himalayan border with Nepal, approximately 50 miles north of Mount Everest. This remote location made the impact of the earthquake more severe, especially in the surrounding regions.
The tremors were felt across several areas, including Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, and parts of northern India. In Nepal, locals reported intense shaking, with some describing the experience as very strong. Bishal Nath Upreti from the Nepal Centre for Disaster Management stated, “People came running out of their houses. You could see the wires from poles shaken loose.”
In Tibet’s Tingri county, where the epicenter was located, more than 1,000 homes were damaged. The Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported significant destruction, with roofs and structures collapsing in Lhatse county, around 86 kilometers from the epicenter. Social media footage from the area showed streets littered with debris, collapsed shop fronts, and damaged vehicles, including cars and motorcycles.
The earthquake has caused severe disruption to local communities, and authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage. Rescue operations are underway, and relief efforts are being coordinated to assist the affected populations in Tibet, Nepal, and parts of northern India.
As emergency teams work to provide aid and address the damages, the region remains on high alert, with aftershocks continuing to be a concern for both residents and rescue workers.
