A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck a remote region of Tibet on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 53 people dead and 62 injured, according to Chinese state media. The earthquake, which occurred at 9:05 a.m. local time, was felt as far away as Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, and parts of northern India.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the China Earthquake Networks Center pinpointed the epicenter high on the Tibetan plateau, near the Himalayan border with Nepal, approximately 50 miles north of Mount Everest. Tingri County, located close to the epicenter, reported widespread destruction, with over 1,000 houses damaged, according to state news agency Xinhua.
Footage shared on Chinese social media and verified by CNN showed streets littered with debris, damaged shopfronts, and collapsed roofs in Lhatse County, about 53 miles from the epicenter. Vehicles parked along the roads were also damaged by falling debris.
The quake triggered panic as far away as Nepal, where the tremors were described as “very strong.” Bishal Nath Upreti from the Nepal Centre for Disaster Management reported that people in Kathmandu ran outdoors in fear, with electrical wires visibly shaking.
Surveillance footage from Shigatse, the nearest major city located 111 miles from the epicenter, captured customers fleeing a supermarket as goods tumbled from shelves. Shigatse, a sacred city in Tibetan Buddhism, is home to the Panchen Lama’s traditional seat.
The earthquake’s impact extended across isolated Himalayan villages. An estimated 6,900 residents in 27 villages within a 12-mile radius of the epicenter are now facing urgent needs for rescue and relief. Some villages lost phone signals, hampering communication and coordination for rescue efforts.
In Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, just across the border, residents relived traumatic memories of the devastating 2015 earthquake that claimed nearly 9,000 lives. “The tremors were very strong; people are panicked,” said Rupesh Vishwakarmi, a local official. A yak farm near Everest Base Camp reported intense shaking, leaving employees fearful.
In Tibet, rescue operations are in full swing, with Chinese air force units joining the effort. By noon Tuesday, a total of 49 aftershocks had been recorded, further complicating rescue missions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an all-out response to rescue survivors and provide shelter for those displaced. He emphasized the importance of ensuring residents’ safety and warmth amid the harsh winter conditions.
This earthquake highlights the vulnerabilities of the Himalayan region, known for its seismic activity. Efforts to reach and assist remote communities remain a critical priority as rescuers face the dual challenges of harsh terrain and freezing temperatures.