Over 1,000 buildings have sustained damage from the earthquake.Tibet Earthquake: At Least 95 Dead, Scores Injured as Powerful Tremor Hits Holy Shigatse
At least 95 people have been confirmed dead and 130 injured after a powerful earthquake struck Tibet’s mountainous region on Tuesday morning, according to Chinese state media.
The 7.1-magnitude earthquake, which struck near the holy city of Shigatse at approximately 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT), had a depth of 10 kilometers (six miles), as reported by the US Geological Survey. The region also experienced several aftershocks.
Tremors were felt in neighboring Nepal and parts of India, highlighting the seismic activity of the area, which lies on a significant geological fault line.
Shigatse, considered one of Tibet’s holiest cities, holds cultural and spiritual significance as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, a prominent figure in Tibetan Buddhism second only to the Dalai Lama.
The Panchen Lama identified as Gedhun Choekyi Niyima was taken by Chinese authorities at the age of six, after being recognized as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. China subsequently appointed its own Panchen Lama.
The current Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959, remains a symbolic figure for Tibetans resisting Beijing's control of the region. Many fear that China will also appoint its own Dalai Lama after the current one passes.
Tuesday’s earthquake ranks among the deadliest in China in recent years. Videos from state broadcaster CCTV revealed widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings and homes, with rescue teams navigating through debris and distributing thick blankets to affected residents.
In Tingri County, near the earthquake’s epicenter, temperatures have plunged to -8°C (17.6°F) and are expected to drop further to -18°C (0°F) overnight, according to the China Meteorological Administration.
The quake has severely disrupted power and water supplies in the region, complicating rescue and relief efforts.
Nestled at Mount Everest's base, Tingri County is a popular starting point for climbers preparing to tackle the world’s highest peak.
According to local tourism officials, sightseeing tours in the area, originally planned for Tuesday morning, were canceled following the earthquake. The sightseeing zone has been fully closed for safety reasons. Three visitors present in the area at the time were relocated to an open space for their protection.
Chinese state media reported the earthquake as having a slightly lower magnitude of 6.8. The quake caused “significant” tremors, damaged over 1,000 houses, and was followed by several strong aftershocks.
Shigatse is regarded as one of Tibet's most sacred cities.Jiang Haikun, a China Earthquake Networks Center researcher, told CCTV that while there is still a possibility of another earthquake around magnitude 5, "the likelihood of a larger quake is low."
Since China annexed Tibet in the 1950s, it has maintained strict control over the autonomous region, including its media and internet access.
A hotel resident in Shigatse described the experience to Chinese media outlet Fengmian News, saying he was abruptly awakened by intense shaking. Grabbing his socks, he rushed outside, where he saw helicopters circling overhead.
"It felt like the bed was being lifted," he recounted, adding that he immediately recognized it as an earthquake, as the region had recently experienced several smaller tremors.
The Chinese Air Force has deployed rescue teams and drones to the earthquake-hit region.
President Xi Jinping has urged for comprehensive search and rescue efforts to minimize casualties and ensure the swift resettlement of affected residents.
While strong tremors were felt in Nepal, no significant damage or casualties have been reported, according to an official from the National Emergency Operations Centre who spoke to BBC Newsday. Only "minor damages and cracks on houses" were observed.
The region, located near the fault line between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, is prone to frequent seismic activity. In 2015, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake near Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, claimed nearly 9,000 lives and injured over 20,000 people.
Tuesday morning’s tremors, which prompted many Kathmandu residents to flee their homes, rekindled memories of the catastrophic 2015 earthquake.
"In 2015, when the earthquake hit, I couldn’t even move," said Manju Neupane, a shop owner in Kathmandu, speaking to BBC Nepali. "Today’s tremors weren’t as frightening, but I’m still scared that another major earthquake might strike, leaving us trapped between the tall buildings."
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