Powerful 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Tibet, 95 Lives Lost, Tremors Felt Across Nepal and Northern India
Tibet’s Xizang region was shaken by a powerful earthquake this morning, sending shockwaves through the region and neighboring countries. The earthquake, measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale, struck at 6:35 AM Indian Standard Time with an epicenter located at latitude 28.86 N and longitude 87.51 E and a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. The tremors created widespread panic, affecting Tibet, Nepal, and parts of northern India.
The devastation was immense, claiming 95 lives and leaving countless families displaced. Around 1,000 homes were destroyed in the Xizang region and its vicinity, further aggravating the crisis. Rescue operations have been launched by China’s army, with more than 50 soldiers actively working in the affected areas to pull survivors from beneath the rubble and provide medical aid. Those with minor injuries are being treated on-site, while more critical cases are being transported to nearby hospitals.
The earthquake was the most significant in a series of tremors recorded by the National Center for Seismology. It followed a smaller 4.2-magnitude quake at 5:41 AM and was succeeded by aftershocks measuring 4.7 and 4.9 at 7:02 AM and 7:07 AM, respectively. The cumulative effect of these tremors left the region on edge, with many fearing further damage.
In India, the tremors were felt strongly in several parts of Bihar, including Muzaffarpur, Bettiah, Motihari, and Sitamarhi, lasting for nearly 30 seconds. Despite the intensity, there have been no reports of injuries or structural damage from these regions. Similarly, residents in Nepal reported experiencing the earthquake, though the full extent of its impact in these areas is still emerging.
Tibet and Nepal, both situated in seismically active zones, are no strangers to earthquakes of this magnitude. This region of the Himalayas has experienced several devastating quakes in the past, a reminder of the risks associated with living in such volatile landscapes. The 2015 earthquakes in Nepal, for example, claimed over 9,000 lives and injured more than 22,000 people, underscoring the catastrophic potential of seismic events.
As the people of Tibet and neighboring regions come to terms with this disaster, authorities are ramping up efforts to provide relief and rebuild. The resilience of these communities, combined with swift action from rescue teams, will be critical in the days ahead. This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the importance of preparedness in mitigating its impact.
