International

Scores Feared Dead as Major Earthquake hits Tibet

Published

24 hours ago

Jan 7, 2025.

Dennis

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Tibet’s Shigatse, causing widespread destruction and freezing temperatures.
Over 1,000 houses were damaged, and rescue efforts continue in harsh conditions with aftershocks complicating recovery.
Despite significant tremors felt in Nepal, no major casualties were reported, while Tibetan spiritual leaders offer prayers for the victims.

Videos aired by China’s state broadcaster CCTV revealed scenes of devastation following the earthquake, showing destroyed homes, collapsed buildings, and rescue workers navigating debris to deliver thick blankets to affected residents. Other footage depicted survivors receiving medical care.

Eko Hot Blog reports that in Tingri county, near the quake’s epicentre in the northern Himalayas, temperatures hover around -8°C (17.6°F) and are forecast to drop to -18°C by evening, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

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Power and water supplies in the region have been disrupted, and over 40 aftershocks were recorded within hours of the initial tremor.

Shigatse, a city with deep religious significance as one of Tibet’s holiest sites, reported widespread destruction. The earthquake, recorded by Chinese state media as a magnitude 6.8, caused “obvious” tremors and damaged over 1,000 houses. Tibet, annexed by China in the 1950s, remains under tight governmental control, with restricted media and internet access.

Jiang Haikun, a researcher at the China Earthquake Networks Centre, told CCTV that while aftershocks around magnitude 5 might occur, the probability of a larger quake is low.

A hotel resident in Shigatse recounted being jolted awake by violent shaking and rushing outside, where helicopters circled overhead. “It felt like even the bed was being lifted,” he said, recalling Tibet’s recent spate of smaller quakes.

In Tingri county, located at the foot of Mount Everest, Everest sightseeing tours scheduled for Tuesday were cancelled. Local authorities relocated visitors in the area to outdoor spaces for safety. Tingri is a popular base for climbers preparing to scale the world’s tallest peak.

Shigatse, home to 800,000 residents, is traditionally associated with the Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama.

The exiled Dalai Lama expressed his sorrow over the disaster, offering prayers for the deceased and wishes for the recovery of the injured.

Tensions surrounding Beijing’s control of Tibet persist, with the Chinese government having installed its own Panchen Lama after the disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the boy identified as the reincarnated Lama, in 1995.

The Chinese air force has deployed drones and rescue teams to the affected areas. President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive rescue operations to minimize casualties and ensure the resettlement of displaced residents.