The earthquake occurred at 9:05 a.m. local time in Tingri County, close to Mount Everest, with a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers. The tremors were felt in neighboring countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, and India.

In Tibet, the quake led to the collapse of over 3,600 homes, leaving many residents trapped under debris. Rescue teams, comprising more than 1,500 personnel, have been dispatched to search for survivors and provide aid. The Chinese government has initiated emergency response measures, supplying essentials like tents and warm clothing to those affected.

Shigatse, a city with deep spiritual significance in Tibetan Buddhism, is among the hardest-hit areas. The earthquake has caused substantial damage to infrastructure, complicating rescue efforts. Authorities are working to restore services and ensure the safety of residents amid freezing temperatures.

The impact of the earthquake extended beyond China’s borders. In Nepal, 13 people sustained injuries, and several buildings were damaged. In India’s Bihar state, some homes developed cracks due to the tremors.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive rescue operations to save lives and minimize further casualties. Efforts are also underway to repair infrastructure and prevent secondary disasters in the quake’s aftermath.

This earthquake is the most powerful to hit the region since January 2024 and the deadliest since December 2023. The Tibetan plateau is prone to seismic activity due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which also leads to the formation of the Himalayas.

This article is based on information from Al Jazeera.

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