A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck a remote region of Tibet on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 126 people dead and 188 injured, according to China Central Television (CCTV). The quake, which hit at 9:05 a.m. local time at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), sent tremors rippling across the Himalayas, impacting Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of northern India.
The epicenter was located in Tingri County, high on the Tibetan plateau near the border with Nepal, approximately 50 miles north of Mount Everest. The earthquake toppled homes in isolated Himalayan villages, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted life in the holy city of Shigatse, home to over 800,000 residents.
Chinese authorities, including over 1,600 military personnel and paramilitary police, have mobilized large-scale rescue efforts, saving more than 400 people trapped under rubble and relocating over 30,000 residents. Relief supplies such as tents, thermal jackets, and folding beds have been dispatched to the affected areas, where temperatures are expected to plummet below -18°C (-0°F) in the coming days.
The quake also forced the closure of Mount Everest’s base camp and surrounding scenic areas, although no damage was reported at the site. Tourists were evacuated safely.
Tremors were felt as far away as Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, where residents rushed outdoors in panic. The incident brought back grim memories of Nepal’s devastating 2015 earthquake, which claimed 9,000 lives.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an all-out effort to rescue survivors, minimize casualties, and ensure the safety and warmth of those affected. The Dalai Lama, from his exile in India, expressed condolences and prayers for the victims.
As aftershocks—over 500—continue to rattle the region, the long-term impact on the sparsely populated yet vulnerable Himalayan communities remains uncertain.
Source: Switeradio.com
