Photo Credit:Associated Press
A powerful earthquake struck Tibet on January 7, 2025, with devastating consequences. The quake, measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale, struck Shigatse, a revered city near Mount Everest, at 9:00 AM local time. The tremor, which had a depth of 10 kilometers, caused widespread destruction, with Chinese state media confirming at least 95 fatalities and 130 injuries. Additionally, over 1,000 buildings were reported damaged, with some completely collapsed. Rescue efforts are ongoing, supported by Chinese air and ground teams.
Tremors from the earthquake were felt beyond Tibet, reaching Nepal and parts of India. While Nepal did not report significant casualties, the tremors served as a painful reminder of the 2015 earthquake that caused nearly 9,000 deaths in the region. A resident in Kathmandu shared his fear, recalling the 2015 disaster and expressing concerns about further aftershocks. Despite this, no major damage was reported in Nepal, with
only minor cracks in buildings noted. In Tibet, the aftermath of the earthquake was severe, with significant disruption to basic utilities such as water and electricity.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the earthquake’s location in a seismically active region, where major tectonic plates converge. This region has witnessed large earthquakes in the past, including the 7.8 magnitude quake in 2015. The current earthquake is considered one of the deadliest in recent years for China. In Tibet, temperatures dropped rapidly to -18°C after the tremor, further complicating rescue operations and survival efforts for affected residents.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered extensive search-and-rescue efforts, including the use of drones and helicopters. Local authorities are focusing on preventing secondary disasters, with particular attention to ensuring the safe resettlement of affected communities.
Meanwhile, the area surrounding Mount Everest, which is popular with tourists, was temporarily closed for safety. Tourism staff in the region confirmed the cancellation of sightseeing tours, prioritizing public safety in the wake of the tremors.
Shigatse, home to approximately 800,000 people, is also the seat of the Panchen Lama, a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama, who resides in exile, expressed sorrow over the tragedy and offered prayers for the victims. This disaster has further underscored the vulnerability of Tibet, which lies on a major geological fault line and is prone to such seismic events.
As rescue efforts continue, both local and international communities are on high alert for additional aftershocks, which could escalate the situation further. This tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by this remote and often underserved region, with long-term recovery efforts expected to be complex and demanding.
