Powerful Earthquake Strikes Near Shigatse In Tibet, Chinese Media Confirms 95 Deaths, Over 1,000 Houses Damaged

A powerful earthquake struck near Shigatse, one of Tibet’s holiest cities, on Tuesday (7 January) morning, causing significant damage and loss of life. According to Chinese state media, at least 95 people have been confirmed dead, over 130 injured, and approximately 1,000 houses damaged.

The tremor, which hit at 9.05 am, was measured at a magnitude of 7.1 by the US Geological Survey, while China recorded it as 6.8. The earthquake occurred at a depth of about 10km in the Tibet region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for urgent search and rescue operations to minimise casualties, ensure the proper resettlement of affected individuals, and provide for their needs during the harsh winter.

In response, over 1,500 local firefighters and rescue workers were dispatched to the region, and 22,000 relief items, including tents, coats, quilts, and folding beds, were sent to assist those impacted.

Temperatures in the area were reported to be minus 8°C and are expected to drop to minus 18°C later in the evening. Xinhua news agency reported that many buildings near the epicentre had collapsed, with over 40 aftershocks registered by midday, including 16 above magnitude 3.0.

The tremors were also felt in neighbouring Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, located 400 km away, where residents fled their homes. In India’s northern state of Bihar, bordering Nepal, people rushed out of buildings as walls shook. No reports of significant damage or casualties have been reported in India as of yet.

The region, prone to seismic activity, has experienced frequent earthquakes, including a major 2008 quake in Sichuan province that killed nearly 70,000 people.