earthquake that struck Dingri County in Tibet, with a reported magnitude of 7.1, has resulted in significant human and infrastructural losses. According to reports, at least 53 individuals have lost their lives, while over 60 have sustained injuries . The earthquake's epicenter was located approximately 50 miles north of Mount Everest and affected three townships and 27 villages within the region. The impact was particularly severe in the Shigatse area of Tibet, where more than 1,000 houses collapsed due to the tremors .
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the 7.1-magnitude quake struck at 9:05 a.m. local time and was followed by multiple aftershocks.
USGS and the China Earthquake Networks Center said the epicenter was high up in the remote Tibetan plateau close to the Himalayan border with Nepal, around 50 miles north of Mount Everest.
Another 62 people were injured in the quake, while more than 1,000 houses were damaged in Tingri county, where the epicenter is located, state news agency Xinhua reported.
Nepal is nestled in a geologically active region, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, forming the Himalayas and making earthquakes a frequent occurrence. In 2015, nearly 9,000 people died and more than 22,000 were injured when a 7.8-magnitude quake struck Nepal, destroying more than half a million homes.
Bihar where people were seen outside their houses and apartments. There have been no reports of any damage to property because of the earthquake.
According to China Earthquake Networks Centre, the earthquake occurred in Dingri County, Shigatse City, Tibet, just after 9 a.m. with a focal depth of 10 kilometers.
Many houses collapsed near the epicenter, according to reports.
The Chinese media also reported that as of 10 a.m. local time, multiple aftershocks were recorded, the largest of which was 4.4.
The response to this devastating event has been hampered by harsh weather conditions as rescue efforts continue amidst freezing temperatures. The remoteness of the affected regions complicates assessment and response efforts; local infrastructure is often inadequate to handle such disasters. While there were no immediate reports of casualties from neighboring Nepal, tremors were felt across borders into Bhutan and India . This situation underscores the interconnectedness of seismic events in mountainous regions and highlights how natural disasters can transcend geographical boundaries.
In conclusion, the earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by remote communities in seismically active areas. As rescue operations unfold and damage assessments are conducted, it becomes imperative for both national governments and international organizations to prioritize disaster preparedness strategies tailored for high-risk zones like Tibet and its neighboring countries . Such measures are essential not only for immediate recovery but also for mitigating future risks associated with similar natural disasters.
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