A powerful earthquake struck Tibet on Tuesday morning, with its epicenter in Tingri County, a rural area known as the northern gateway to the Everest region, at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center.
The quake, measuring 7.1 in magnitude, was felt across the Shigatse region, which has a population of approximately 800,000 and is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, a significant figure in Tibetan Buddhism.
The earthquake resulted in at least 95 fatalities and 130 injuries. It caused the collapse of over 1,000 homes in Tingri County and led to significant structural damage in the area.
Rescue operations are underway, with more than 1,500 personnel deployed to the affected areas. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive rescue efforts to save lives and prevent secondary disasters.
The tremors were also felt in neighboring countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, and India, though no significant damage or casualties have been reported outside of Tibet.
This region is prone to seismic activity due to the collision of tectonic plates, making earthquakes relatively common. The low population density in some areas can sometimes mitigate the impact of such natural disasters.
