Tibet Earthquake: A Deadly Tremor Strikes the Holy City of Shigatse
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 has devastated the holy city of Shigatse in Tibet, leaving at least 95 people dead and 130 injured. The tremor struck at 9:00 AM local time on Tuesday, with its epicenter near Tingri County, situated in the northern foothills of the Himalayas. This region, close to Mount Everest, is known for its seismic activity due to its position on a major geological fault line. The United States Geological Survey reported the earthquake at a depth of 10 kilometers, followed by more than 40 aftershocks, which have added to the region’s plight. Tremors were also felt in Nepal and parts of India.
The earthquake caused significant destruction, with more than 1,000 buildings damaged. Videos shared by Chinese state media revealed scenes of collapsed houses, debris, and rescue teams navigating through the rubble to provide assistance. Survivors, many exposed to the freezing cold of the region, have been receiving medical care and emergency supplies such as blankets from rescue workers. The China Meteorological Administration reported temperatures in the area as low as -8°C, expected to drop further to -18°C by the evening.
Shigatse, a city of great spiritual significance in Tibet, has been deeply impacted. Known as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism, Shigatse holds historical and cultural importance. The current Dalai Lama, in exile since 1959, expressed his condolences to those affected, offering prayers for the deceased and wishes for a swift recovery for the injured.
Local residents and tourists were caught off guard by the earthquake. A hotel guest in Shigatse described the violent shaking, recounting how he rushed outside in panic, while helicopters circled above to assess the damage. Sightseeing tours around Mount Everest, popular among climbers and visitors, were canceled as safety precautions, and the area was completely closed.
The Chinese air force and rescue teams have launched extensive relief efforts in the affected regions. Drones have been deployed to survey the damage, while President Xi Jinping has urged authorities to minimize casualties and assist in the resettlement of displaced residents. The challenges are immense, with power and water supplies disrupted in many areas and harsh weather conditions complicating the rescue operations.
Although tremors were felt in neighboring Nepal, no major casualties or damages were reported there. Officials noted only minor cracks in buildings. For many residents of Kathmandu, the earthquake brought back memories of the catastrophic 2015 quake, which killed nearly 9,000 people and left more than 20,000 injured.
The region's vulnerability to seismic activity is attributed to the tectonic friction between the Indian and Eurasian plates. This event serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers faced by those living in this fault line zone. As the search-and-rescue operations continue, Tibet mourns the loss of lives and braces for the long road to recovery.
Refrence From: www.bbc.com