Photo Credit: Getty Images
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck a remote region of Tibet on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 53 people dead and dozens injured. The tremors, felt as far as Nepal and northern India, sent shockwaves through the Himalayan region and caused widespread destruction.
The earthquake, which occurred at 9:05 a.m. local time, was followed by numerous aftershocks. The epicenter was located in Tingri county, a sparsely populated area near the border with Nepal. Chinese state media reported that over 1,000 houses were damaged, leaving many residents vulnerable in the harsh winter conditions.
Videos shared on social media showed collapsed roofs, damaged shopfronts, and debris littering the streets in nearby Lhatse county, approximately 86 kilometers from the epicenter. Surveillance footage from a supermarket in Shigatse, the nearest major city, captured the panic as shelves shook and customers fled.
Rescue efforts are underway, with Chinese air force units joining the search for survivors. However, the region's remote location and treacherous terrain pose significant challenges. Three villages near the epicenter remain cut off due to damaged communication lines.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged officials to prioritize rescue operations, minimize casualties, and provide adequate shelter for displaced residents. "We must ensure their safety and warmth during this difficult time," he said in a statement.
As of noon, 49 aftershocks had been recorded, adding to the region's turmoil. The quake has drawn attention to the vulnerability of communities in the Himalayan plateau, where seismic activity is a constant threat. With rescue teams racing against time, the tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable power of nature.
