January 7: A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck near Shigatse city in Tibet, resulting in at least 95 deaths and 130 injuries. The quake caused extensive damage to over 1,000 houses and affected approximately 62,000 residents. Tremors were felt as far as Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, and the Indian state of Bihar.
On January 7, 2025, at 09:05 CST (UTC+8), a devastating earthquake measuring Mw 7.1 struck Tingri County in the Shigatse prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region, China. The earthquake, which originated at a depth of 10 km (6.2 mi), was caused by normal faulting and became the most powerful seismic event in China since the Maduo earthquake in May 2021 and the deadliest since the Jishishan earthquake in December 2023. The tremors were felt across South Asia, impacting Nepal and northern India.
Tectonic Context
The Tibetan Plateau, formed due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, is highly seismically active. The region’s faulting mechanism includes both strike-slip and normal faulting. The earthquake’s rupture occurred on a north-south trending fault, identified as the Deng Me Cuo Fault, with a rupture length extending between Ngamring and southern Tingri County.
Casualties and Impact
The official Chinese government report cited 126 fatalities, but alternative estimates ranged from 134 to over 400. The discrepancy has fueled criticism and concerns regarding information transparency. At least 338 people sustained injuries, with 19 in critical condition. Nepal also reported 13 injuries, and minor damage occurred in northern India.
The earthquake led to the collapse of 3,612 homes and damaged over 27,200 buildings. In several villages, up to 90% of homes were razed, and infrastructure—including roads and hydropower dams—suffered significant damage. More than 40 monasteries were impacted, with eight severely affected. Telecommunications were briefly disrupted, and landslides damaged key transportation routes.
In Nepal, homes and a police station sustained damage, while avalanches near Mount Everest were reported. In Bhutan, tremors triggered two avalanches near the Bechung glacier.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
China mobilized over 14,000 rescue personnel, 340 medical workers, and extensive resources to aid the affected population. The Chinese government allocated 100 million yuan ($13.6 million) for disaster relief, deploying military personnel, drones, and satellites for damage assessment and response coordination. Emergency shelters were established, and relief supplies—including tents, warm clothing, and food—were distributed to displaced residents.
The Chinese Communist Party’s General Secretary, Xi Jinping, emphasized the urgency of rescue efforts, infrastructure restoration, and relocation assistance. Temperatures plummeting to −16°C (3°F) exacerbated the crisis, increasing the risk of hypothermia among survivors trapped under rubble.
By January 31, over 7,700 temporary shelters and nearly 10,000 tents had been set up, accommodating 47,787 displaced residents. Search and rescue operations concluded after two weeks, with authorities acknowledging the slim survival chances for missing persons due to extreme conditions.
International Response
The earthquake prompted global reactions, with leaders from more than 22 countries, the United Nations, and international organizations extending their condolences. The U.S., Denmark, and South Korea expressed sympathies via official embassy statements, while Taiwan’s Straits Exchange Foundation and Mainland Affairs Council conveyed formal messages of support. The 11th Panchen Lama initiated a donation drive that raised nearly 1.5 million yuan ($208,660) to support relief efforts.
Despite widespread solidarity, the Chinese government took action against misinformation, including administrative penalties for individuals spreading unverified fatality estimates and AI-generated images online.
Conclusion
The January 7 earthquake in Tibet stands as a tragic reminder of the seismic vulnerabilities in the region. The scale of destruction underscores the urgent need for improved earthquake-resistant infrastructure and enhanced disaster preparedness measures. While China’s rapid response mitigated further casualties, ongoing rehabilitation efforts remain critical for the thousands affected by this catastrophic event.
Source:
www.aljazeera.com
