Catastrophic Earthquake Devastates Tibet’s Shigatse

Department of Research, Studies and International News  07-01-2025

A devastating earthquake struck the Shigatse region in Tibet, leaving at least 95 people dead and injuring more than 130 others. The seismic event, which caused widespread destruction, reverberated across neighboring countries, with tremors felt in Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of India. The disaster has prompted a large-scale rescue operation as authorities rush to mitigate the human and material toll in one of Tibet’s most significant cultural and spiritual areas.

The earthquake was registered at a magnitude of 7.1 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), while China’s Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) recorded it at 6.8. The quake struck on Tuesday at 9:05 a.m. local time (01:05 GMT), at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles). This event marks the strongest earthquake recorded within a 200-kilometer (124-mile) radius of the epicenter in the past five years, highlighting its extraordinary intensity.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located in Dingri County, Shigatse, a high-altitude area near Mount Everest and home to around 62,000 residents. Shigatse holds significant cultural and religious importance, being the seat of the Panchen Lama, a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism. The region’s remoteness and harsh winter conditions, with temperatures dropping to as low as minus 18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit), have compounded the challenges faced by rescue teams.

According to Chinese state media, the earthquake has claimed the lives of at least 95 individuals and left over 130 injured. In Kathmandu, Nepal, a man sustained injuries after leaping from a building during the tremors, though no additional casualties have been reported in Nepal, Bhutan, or India. Despite the quake’s magnitude, its most severe effects were concentrated in Tibet, where extensive damage to infrastructure has been observed.

The earthquake wreaked havoc on homes and buildings, with more than 1,000 houses reportedly damaged to varying degrees. Many structures near the epicenter were reduced to rubble, as evidenced by images and videos broadcast by China’s state media. In Lhatse, a town near Dingri, streets were strewn with debris, including collapsed storefronts and scattered rubble.

The earthquake’s impact extended well beyond Tibet, shaking regions as far south as Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, located approximately 230 kilometers (140 miles) from Shigatse. Residents in Kathmandu and surrounding areas fled their homes in panic. Tremors were also reported in India’s northern Bihar state and Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. Nepalese authorities confirmed that shocks were felt in seven hill districts bordering Tibet.

In response to the crisis, the Chinese government has mobilized approximately 1,500 rescue workers, including military personnel, to assist with relief and recovery operations. Reports show that some affected individuals are receiving medical treatment in open areas due to the lack of accessible healthcare facilities. Supplies, including 22,000 items of disaster relief such as tents and quilts, have been sent to the affected areas to provide warmth and shelter amid freezing conditions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for comprehensive search and rescue operations, urging authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of the victims. Local officials are actively assessing the extent of the damage and the needs of residents in affected townships.

The Tibetan Plateau and surrounding Himalayan region are known for their seismic activity due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geologic process, which forms the towering Himalayan mountain range, makes the area particularly susceptible to earthquakes.

In recent years, the region has experienced numerous tremors, including the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake, which claimed nearly 9,000 lives, and the 2021 Qinghai earthquake in China. However, the Shigatse quake stands out as one of the most powerful in the region in the past century.

Tuesday’s earthquake is a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic disasters. While rescue operations are underway, the combination of extreme weather conditions, remote geography, and extensive infrastructural damage poses significant obstacles to recovery efforts. For the residents of Shigatse and surrounding areas, the road to rebuilding will be long and challenging.

This event underscores the importance of preparedness and resilience in earthquake-prone regions, particularly in areas with significant cultural and ecological significance like Tibet.