Shigatse, Tibet, January 7, 2025 – A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck western China on January 7, 2025, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The quake, which hit the Tibet Autonomous Region, near Shigatse, has left at least 53 people dead and 62 others injured, according to Chinese authorities.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 75 kilometers northeast of Mount Everest, in a seismically active region known for its tectonic instability due to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates. The region’s high altitude, which averages around 4,200 meters, has complicated rescue operations, with the rugged terrain adding to the challenges faced by emergency teams.
Over 1,000 homes were reported to have collapsed in the affected area, particularly in Tingri County, which lies close to the epicenter. The government has dispatched over 1,500 rescue personnel to the region to search for survivors and provide necessary aid to those impacted by the disaster.
The tremors were felt beyond China’s borders, with reports of shaking in parts of Nepal and India. In Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, residents evacuated buildings as a precautionary measure, though no significant damage has been reported in the country so far.
This earthquake is one of the strongest to hit the region in recent years. The Tibet Autonomous Region has experienced numerous seismic events in the past, with several earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher recorded over the last century.
As authorities continue their efforts to assess the damage and provide aid, there are warnings of potential aftershocks. The situation remains fluid, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams reach more remote areas.
The Chinese government has pledged to support those affected, and the international community is closely monitoring the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
