Strong Earthquake Hits Tibet and Nepal
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit Tibet on January 7, 2025, causing significant damage, killing 126 people, injuring 188, and affecting Nepal and parts of India.
On January 7, 2025, a powerful earthquake struck Tibet at 9:00 AM, with a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter Scale. The epicenter of the earthquake was located near Shigatse, a city about 80 kilometers away from Mount Everest, and 93 kilometers northeast of Lobuche, near the Nepal-Tibet border. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, which is considered shallow and more destructive as it caused strong shaking on the surface.
The earthquake has claimed at least 126 lives, and 188 people have been reported injured. Over 3,600 houses and buildings have been destroyed in the region. The affected area is home to around 800,000 people, many of whom are now struggling to find safety amidst the aftermath of the quake.
Shigatse, an important city for Tibetan Buddhism, witnessed severe damage. Many buildings collapsed, and shops were crumbled. The local authorities have been working hard to help people, but the situation remains critical. There have been more than 500 aftershocks following the main earthquake, adding to the distress of the survivors. The first aftershock had a magnitude of 4.7, and the second measured 4.9.
The Chinese government has dispatched over 1,500 rescue workers to provide aid, including tents, blankets, and other emergency supplies. The Chinese military has also played a key role, rescuing more than 400 people who were trapped under the rubble. As of now, over 30,000 residents have been relocated to safer areas as rescue operations continue.
In addition to Tibet, the earthquake was felt in several parts of India, including Delhi, Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal, causing panic among the residents. However, no major damage or casualties have been reported from India. The tremors were also felt in Nepal, where 13 people were rescued from the Nepal-Tibet border. The Nepali police reported that 10 houses were damaged, with one completely destroyed.
Anna Guo, an 18-year-old college student, was in Shigatse with her tour group when the earthquake struck. She described the experience, saying, “We heard something, and then we realized it was an earthquake. It got stronger and stronger, and the windows started shaking. We have never felt an earthquake this strong before.”
Following the earthquake, local authorities closed the Mount Everest base camp and surrounding areas to ensure the safety of tourists. Although winter is not the usual season for climbing Mount Everest, many Chinese tourists still visit for the views of the Himalayan mountains. Ba Luo, a staff member at the base camp, reported feeling tremors but confirmed that there was no damage to the buildings. Around 30 visitors were at the base at the time, and they were safely evacuated.
Nepal, which has been devastated by a massive earthquake in the past, is now on high alert. On April 25, 2015, a deadly earthquake of 7.8 magnitude killed nearly 9,000 people in Nepal. Following the recent tremors, emergency teams in Nepal and India are staying prepared to respond quickly if needed.
As rescue operations continue and more aftershocks are expected, the people of Tibet, Nepal, and India remain on edge, hoping for relief and safety in the face of this powerful earthquake.
