January 7, 2025: A series of devastating earthquakes, including a major tremor measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale, struck Tibet on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 53 people dead and 62 injured, according to reports from Chinese and international media. The seismic activity caused widespread damage in the region and was felt across neighboring countries, including India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
The first quake hit Xizang, near the Nepal-Tibet border, at 6:35 a.m., as per the National Centre for Seismology. Chinese authorities reported a slightly lower magnitude of 6.8 centered near Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. The powerful quake was followed by two significant aftershocks of 4.7 and 4.9 magnitude, causing further destruction and panic.
According to China's state broadcaster CCTV, Dingri County, close to the epicenter, suffered extensive damage with many buildings collapsing. Tremors caused residents in nearby regions, including Shigatse, to flee their homes in fear.
The impact of the earthquake extended beyond China, with strong tremors reported in Delhi-NCR, Bihar, West Bengal, and India’s northeastern states such as Assam. In Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, residents were jolted awake and rushed outdoors seeking safety.
“I was sleeping when the bed started shaking. Initially, I thought it was my child moving the bed, but the rattling windows confirmed it was an earthquake,” said Meera Adhikari, a resident of Kathmandu. “I grabbed my child and ran outside to an open area.”
The region where the earthquake struck lies along the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, a seismically active area known for its potential to generate powerful quakes. Experts noted that such tectonic activity in the Himalayas can even alter the heights of the world’s tallest peaks.
In the past five years, Shigatse and surrounding areas have experienced 29 earthquakes with magnitudes of 3 or higher, though none were as powerful as Tuesday's event.
Rescue operations are underway, with Chinese authorities mobilizing emergency teams to affected areas. However, the mountainous terrain and ongoing aftershocks are likely to hinder relief efforts.
Neighboring countries, including India and Nepal, remain on high alert as experts warn of the potential for additional aftershocks.