A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck Tibet near the Nepalese border on Monday, killing at least 95 people, according to Chinese state media outlet Xinhua. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in Tingri county, within Shigatse city, about 400 kilometers southwest of Lhasa, Tibet’s capital. Tingri, a key stop for tourists heading to Mount Everest, is situated along the border with Nepal.
The earthquake, which occurred at 6:35 am local time, was followed by two aftershocks. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported a second earthquake of magnitude 4.7 at 7:02 am, and a third, slightly stronger tremor, measuring 4.9, at 7:07 am. The aftershocks occurred at depths of 10 km and 30 km, respectively.
Tremors from the earthquake were felt across several regions of India, including Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal, where residents rushed out of their homes. However, no significant property damage has been reported in India.
Tibet and the surrounding region lie along the geologically active zone where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence. In 2015, a devastating earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck Nepal, killing nearly 9,000 people and causing extensive damage.
The latest quake in Tibet has exacerbated concerns about seismic activity in the region, as authorities and rescue teams begin to assess the damage and aid those affected.
The Chenab Times News Desk
