According to the reports on Wednesday (8 January), a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet near the Nepal border on Tuesday (7 January), killing at least 126 people and injuring 188. The disaster leveled over 3,600 houses and left 30,000 residents displaced in the high-altitude region near Mount Everest. Rescue teams, including 1,850 emergency workers, raced against time to find survivors and deliver aid despite the freezing temperatures and rugged terrain.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located in Tingri County, along the fault lines created by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Over 500 aftershocks have been recorded, with several exceeding a magnitude of 6.0. Seismologists warn of continued seismic activity in this earthquake-prone zone, where events of this magnitude are rare but devastating.
Among the hardest-hit areas is the village of Gurum, where at least 22 residents, including elderly individuals and children, lost their lives. Rescue workers face immense challenges navigating debris-strewn streets and damaged infrastructure while searching for survivors in remote communities. Visuals from the scene reveal piles of rubble, crushed vehicles, and devastated homes.
Efforts to provide relief include the delivery of tents, quilts, and other essential supplies to those left homeless. Temperatures dipping below freezing have added urgency to the rescue operations. The disaster has highlighted the region’s seismic vulnerability and underscores the need for improved disaster preparedness and mitigation measures in this fragile, high-altitude environment.
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