At least 53 fatalities and 62 injuries have been reported following a powerful earthquake that struck the mountainous Tibet region on Tuesday morning, according to official reports. The earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7.1, hit Shigatse city at approximately 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT) and occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (six miles). Following the initial quake, a series of aftershocks have been felt in the region.
The tremors were also experienced in nearby Nepal and parts of India. This region is notorious for its seismic activity, sitting atop a major geological fault line.
Shigatse is revered as one of Tibet’s holiest cities, serving as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, a significant figure in Tibetan Buddhism. The earthquake’s epicenter was close to Tingri County, a well-known base for climbers gearing up for expeditions to Mount Everest.
Due to safety concerns, all Mount Everest sightseeing tours in Tingri scheduled for Tuesday have been canceled. Local tourism officials confirmed that the sightseeing area has been fully closed, and three visitors present during the quake were safely relocated outdoors.
Chinese state media reported the earthquake as a slightly lower magnitude of 6.8, causing significant tremors that resulted in over 1,000 buildings being damaged throughout the region. Numerous strong aftershocks have occurred since.
Jiang Haikun, a researcher from the Chinese Earthquake Networks Center, has advised that while it is possible for another earthquake of around magnitude 5 to occur, the chances of a more powerful quake are minimal.
Since the annexation of Tibet in the 1950s, China has maintained strict control over the region, including its media and internet access.
Residents in Shigatse reported experiencing strong shaking during the quake. One hotel guest recounted being jolted awake and rushing out to see helicopters circling overhead, describing the intense shaking, “It felt like even the bed was being lifted.”
The Chinese air force has initiated rescue operations, deploying drones to assist in the affected areas, which are located at the base of Mount Everest where temperatures have plunged below freezing.
Both power and water services have been interrupted across the region. In a show of solidarity and urgency, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive search and rescue efforts to minimize casualties and aid in the resettlement of displaced residents.
Although tremors were felt in Nepal, local officials indicated that there have been no reports of damage or casualties. This seismically active region, which sits at the intersection of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, has a history of considerable earthquakes, including the devastating 7.8 magnitude quake in 2015 near Kathmandu that resulted in nearly 9,000 deaths and over 20,000 injuries.
