The death toll rises after the major earthquake that struck the mountainous region of China’s Tibet in the area of Shigatse city on January 7, 2025. According to a new toll, more than 95 dead and 130 injured have been confirmed, according to The Guardian. The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1 and occurred at a depth of just 10 kilometers around 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT). Several aftershocks were felt in the affected area, and authorities fear that more earthquakes could follow.
The initial news report noted that the quake was also felt in Nepal and India, regions often exposed to seismic activity due to their positioning on the tectonic fault between the Indian and Eurasian plates.
Shigatse, also known for being the seat of the Panchen Lama, a major figure in Tibetan Buddhism, was badly affected. According to reports, more than 1,000 homes were destroyed and buildings collapsed during the aftershocks. Water and electricity services have been interrupted in the region, and the low temperatures, specific to the area at the foot of Mount Everest, further complicate the rescue operations.
Chinese authorities mobilized the air force and drones to support search and rescue missions. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for all resources to be used to minimize the number of casualties. Despite fears of further earthquakes, the likelihood of a larger earthquake is estimated to be low.
Also in Nepal, although tremors were felt, no casualties or significant damage were reported, according to local officials in the Namche area near Everest.
This tragedy it adds to a series of devastating earthquakes that have hit the region in the past, such as the one in 2015 that killed nearly 9,000 people in Nepal.
Source: www.doctorulzilei.ro
