A devastating earthquake of magnitude 6.8 hit the northern foothills of the Himalayas near Tibet’s Xigaze city, leaving at least 53 dead and 62 injured. The quake, which struck at 9:05 a.m. local time on Tuesday, triggered widespread destruction and sent tremors across several neighbouring countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, and India.
Epicenter and Impact
The epicenter of the earthquake was located in Dingri County, Xigaze, Tibet Autonomous Region, just a short distance from the Nepal-Tibet border. The tremor, with a depth of 10 km, was strong enough to shake buildings and infrastructure, causing widespread damage in the region. CCTV reports confirmed that the quake claimed the lives of at least 53 people on the Tibetan side.
The earthquake’s impact extended beyond Tibet, as tremors were felt as far as Delhi-NCR and various parts of North India, including Bihar. These tremors were also experienced across neighboring Nepal and Bhutan, raising concerns about further damage in those countries.
Details of the Earthquake
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 6:35 a.m. UTC (1:05 p.m. local time), 93 km northeast of Lobuche, near the Nepal-Tibet border. The seismic activity was part of a region where the India and Eurasia tectonic plates meet, causing regular uplifts and tremors in the Himalayan mountains.
The earthquake was followed by at least half a dozen aftershocks, ranging from 4 to 5 in magnitude, within an hour, according to the USGS. These aftershocks contributed to the instability in the already fragile region.
Tibet’s Vulnerability
The Tibetan region, known for its high-altitude terrain and remote villages, remains vulnerable to such natural disasters due to its position on the Himalayan faultline. As one of the most seismically active zones in the world, this area has experienced significant earthquakes in the past, with the 2015 Nepal earthquake being a reminder of the region’s vulnerability. The 2015 quake, which struck Nepal, killed nearly 9,000 people and left over 22,000 others injured, underscoring the region’s seismic risks.
Ongoing Relief Efforts
As the region begins to assess the full extent of the damage, local authorities are focused on providing immediate relief and rescuing those trapped under collapsed structures. While the exact details of the damage are still emerging, rescue teams are working on the ground to assist affected communities.
The earthquake is also a stark reminder of the power of the Earth’s shifting plates, particularly in the Himalayan region, which continues to be a hotbed for seismic activity due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Global Attention and Aid
With the earthquake’s impact spreading across borders, the international community has expressed condolences and solidarity with the affected regions. Nepal, already grappling with the aftermath of its own deadly earthquakes, has sent rescue teams to assist their neighbors in Tibet, while other countries may soon follow suit with aid and resources.
As relief operations continue, the people of Tibet, Nepal, and India await further updates on the full scale of the destruction and ongoing recovery efforts.
Sources By Agencies
