A major earthquake hit a secluded region of Tibet on the morning of January 7, resulting in considerable destruction. Authorities in China reported that the earthquake struck the northern foothills of the Himalayas, resulting in the deaths of over 90 people and widespread property damage. According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, the earthquake reached a magnitude of 6.8, but the U.S. Geological Service reports an even higher number of 7.1. Its effects were felt in areas of the neighboring countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and India.
Tibet and Nepal affected by magnitude 6.8 earthquake
The earthquake rocked areas near a holy city of Tibet around 9:05 a.m. (1:05 a.m. GMT). Per the China Earthquake Networks Center, the earthquake’s epicenter was at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles) in the remote Tingri County in Tibet, often referred to as the northern gateway to the Everest region. Chinese state media reported that at least 95 people died, and 130 others were injured because of the incident. Further, over a thousand houses collapsed in Dingri County.
As mentioned above, the exact magnitude of the earthquake seems to be under dispute, with the China Earthquake Networks Center reporting it at 6.8, and the U.S. Geological Service measuring it at 7.1. The city of Shigatse, a holy site in Tibetan Buddhism as the seat of the Panchen Lama, was rocked by the earthquake. The tremor shook buildings in Nepal, Bhutan, and northern India. It also reportedly spooked visitors at a Mount Everest base camp.
According to The New York Times, the Chinese official news agency Xinhua put out a video of police officials working on the affected sites. The American outlet also reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping had instructed people under him to take measures to lessen the casualties and find other places to settle for the survivors. 1,500 individuals and over 250 vehicles have been dispatched for the rescue efforts, which face complications due to the extreme weather and high altitude of the region.
