A strong earthquake measuring 7.1 struck a mountainous area in western China near Nepal on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 95 lives and leaving many others trapped under rubble. The region, known for seismic activity, was rattled by a series of aftershocks, some of which crossed over into Nepal.
Local officials reported that around 130 people sustained injuries as a result of the quake. Footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed rescuers in orange gear working tirelessly to clear debris from severely damaged houses in a village. In addition to the immediate casualties, reports indicated that approximately 1,000 homes were damaged, as per Tibet’s earthquake rescue office.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) identified the earthquake’s epicenter in the Tibetan region, situated about 10 kilometers deep. Interestingly, Chinese authorities measured the quake’s magnitude at 6.8. The epicenter was located around 75 kilometers northeast of Mount Everest, an area where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, causing significant geological upheaval that shapes the Himalayas.
In the hours following the quake, around 50 aftershocks were recorded, prompting the closure of the scenic area surrounding Everest on the Chinese side. In a swift response, approximately 1,500 rescue workers and firefighters were deployed to the affected area, supported by 200 soldiers, as reported by the Ministry of Emergency Management. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, emphasized the need for all possible efforts to rescue individuals, reduce casualties, and relocate those whose homes were destroyed. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing was dispatched to oversee the rescue operations.
Reports indicated that several small communities were located within a 5-kilometer radius of the quake’s epicenter, which is approximately 380 kilometers from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and 23 kilometers from Shigatse, the region’s second-largest city.
In Nepal, officials were urged to search for potential victims or damage in the mountainous regions close to the epicenter. The National Emergency Operations Center in Kathmandu noted that residents of northeastern Nepal felt the earthquake strongly, but thankfully, there were no immediate reports of injuries or property damage. In the Solukhumbu district, home to Mount Everest, police confirmed that no destruction had occurred. At this time of year, many locals tend to move to lower elevations to escape the harsh winter.
In Kathmandu, located around 230 kilometers from the epicenter, residents quickly evacuated their homes as the tremors shook the city, waking many in the process. Historical records show that over the last century, there have been ten earthquakes of at least magnitude 6 in the area where this recent quake occurred.
As communities grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster, the courage and resilience of the rescue teams shine through, illustrating the spirit of cooperation and determination as they work tirelessly to aid those affected.
