Catastrophic 6.8-Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Northern Himalayas, Killing 53
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck the northern Himalayan foothills early Tuesday morning, unleashing destruction near Tibet’s Shigatse region and spreading shockwaves through neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and India. The tremor, recorded at 9:05 a.m. local time (0105 GMT), has claimed at least 53 lives and injured 62 others, according to Chinese state authorities.
The China Earthquake Networks Centre identified the epicenter in Tingri, a high-altitude county often referred to as the northern gateway to Mount Everest, at a shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The U.S. Geological Survey, however, registered the quake at a magnitude of 7.1. Over 1,000 homes across 30 villages near the epicenter were reportedly damaged, highlighting the scale of destruction in the remote Tibetan region.
Tremors Felt Across Borders
The earthquake’s impact extended far beyond Tibet, shaking regions across Nepal, northern India, and Bhutan. In Kathmandu, located about 400 km (250 miles) from the epicenter, residents fled their homes as buildings trembled.
“I thought my child was moving the bed until the windows started shaking. That’s when I realized it was an earthquake,” recounted Meera Adhikari, a resident of Kathmandu. Similar panic unfolded in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, and in the Indian state of Bihar. Fortunately, officials in these regions reported no immediate casualties or significant damage.
Tibet Faces Major Challenges
Tibet’s Shigatse region, home to approximately 800,000 residents, bore the brunt of the earthquake’s wrath. The area, renowned for its cultural and spiritual significance, faced widespread destruction, prompting Chinese President Xi Jinping to order a comprehensive rescue and relief effort. He emphasized the need to prioritize shelter and warmth for displaced families as winter grips the region.
Tingri’s rugged terrain, situated at elevations between 4,000 and 5,000 meters (13,000-16,000 feet), posed significant challenges for rescue teams. Videos shared on social media showed crumbled buildings and debris scattered across streets in nearby towns like Lhatse. Aftershocks, some measuring up to 4.4 in magnitude, further complicated relief efforts.
According to Chinese seismologists, the earthquake occurred along the Lhasa block, a seismically active region prone to stress-induced ruptures. Historical records show that 21 earthquakes with magnitudes of 6 or higher have struck this block since 1950, the largest being a 6.9-magnitude quake in 2017.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
In response to the disaster, China has closed the Everest region to tourists, redirecting resources to assist affected communities. Emergency teams are working around the clock to assess the full extent of the damage. Authorities report that over 6,900 residents in the vicinity of the epicenter have been directly impacted, with thousands left without adequate shelter.
On the Nepalese side, officials from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority confirmed that tremors were felt in several districts bordering Tibet. While no casualties or major damage have been reported in Nepal so far, authorities remain on high alert. The region’s history with devastating quakes, such as the 2015 earthquake that claimed 9,000 lives, has underscored the importance of vigilance.
Global Attention on Rescue Efforts
This latest earthquake has reignited concerns about the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to seismic activity. Experts continue to monitor the Lhasa block, while emergency response teams in Tibet and neighboring countries focus on providing relief to those displaced.
As winter tightens its grip, the immediate priority is to deliver food, shelter, and medical aid to affected populations. Despite the challenges posed by the harsh climate and rugged terrain, rescue operations are ongoing.
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