A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck a remote region of Tibet on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 106 people dead and 174 injured, according to China News Service. According to the sources of Leaders team, the quake’s impact was felt across the Himalayan region, including Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of northern India.
The earthquake struck at 9:05 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located in Tingri County, near the Nepal border, approximately 50 miles north of Mount Everest. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and noted several aftershocks, intensifying the destruction.
Widespread Devastation and Rescue Efforts
In the immediate aftermath, nearly 3,000 homes were reported damaged, many in remote Himalayan villages difficult to access. Videos circulating on Chinese social media revealed debris-strewn streets, collapsed roofs, and damaged vehicles in areas near Lhatse County.
As per the reports of Leaders team, local authorities identified significant tremors in Shigatse, the nearest major city to the epicenter, which is home to around 800,000 people and a key center of Tibetan Buddhism. Surveillance footage showed shoppers fleeing supermarkets as shelves toppled and goods fell.
Rescue operations are underway, with over 200 Chinese soldiers already deployed to Tingri County, and 1,500 more on standby. Teams are searching for survivors amid freezing winter temperatures, while villages struggle with disrupted communications and blocked roads.
Regional Impact Across the Himalayas
The tremors triggered panic in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, where memories of the devastating 2015 earthquake remain fresh. Bishal Nath Upreti, from the Nepal Centre for Disaster Management, described scenes of people rushing out of buildings as power lines swayed.
In Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, near Mount Everest, residents reported strong tremors. Police confirmed 13 injuries, while the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that 10 homes were damaged, with one completely destroyed.
Eyewitness Accounts and Global Reactions
Anna Guo, an 18-year-old tourist in Shigatse, recounted the terrifying moments when the quake struck. “We heard something, and then the ground shook violently. It got stronger, and the windows began rattling,” she said.
The Dalai Lama, living in exile in India, expressed sorrow over the tragedy, offering prayers for the victims and support for the injured. Chinese leader Xi Jinping issued a statement urging immediate rescue efforts to minimize casualties and provide winter aid to affected residents.
Mount Everest Base Camp Temporarily Closed
Authorities have closed Mount Everest’s base camp and surrounding scenic areas as a precaution. Although winter is not the peak climbing season, tourists visiting the region were safely evacuated.
With 49 aftershocks recorded by noon, rescue teams continue their relentless efforts amid harsh conditions. The tragedy highlights the vulnerability of remote Himalayan regions to seismic activity and the challenges of providing swift aid in such terrains.
