Beijing: A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County in Xigaze, Tibet Autonomous Region, on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 95 people dead and 130 others injured. The tremors, which also impacted northern Nepal, forced residents to flee their homes. While Chinese authorities reported the quake at 6.8 magnitude, the US Geological Service estimated it at 7.1.
The epicenter was located in Tsogo Township, with a population of about 6,900 people within a 20-km radius, and lies 90 km northeast of Lobutse in Nepal’s Khumbu Himalayan range. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an immediate level-II emergency response, deploying over 1,500 rescue workers, and urged comprehensive measures to treat the injured, prevent secondary disasters, and ensure the affected residents’ well-being. Relief supplies, including tents, quilts, and other essentials, were dispatched to the quake-hit areas, along with specialized materials for frigid, high-altitude regions.
Strong Tremors Felt in Nepal
In northern Nepal, districts such as Kavrepalanchwok, Sindhupalchok, and Solukhumbu experienced strong tremors that shook buildings and trees, triggering memories of the devastating 2015 earthquake. While there were no reported casualties in Nepal, panic-stricken residents in Kathmandu evacuated their homes. Local authorities reported minor damage to structures, including a two-storey building in Kimathanka Rural Municipality. The Tibetan plateau, prone to seismic activity due to the collision of Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, has a history of destructive quakes, including the 2015 disaster that caused extensive damage across the Himalayan region.
