Catastrophic Earthquake In Tibet Claims Over 100 Lives

A devastating earthquake struck a remote region of Tibet on Tuesday morning, claiming the lives of more than 100 people and sending tremors across the Himalayas, reaching Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of northern India.

The 7.1-magnitude quake hit at 9:05 a.m. local time, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), followed by multiple aftershocks, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The seismic energy toppled houses in remote Himalayan villages, shook a nearby Tibetan holy city, and rattled visitors at a Mount Everest base camp. The epicenter, located in Tingri County on the Tibetan plateau, was about 50 miles north of Mount Everest's peak.

Chinese state media reported at least 106 fatalities and 174 injuries. Nearly 3,000 homes were damaged, according to China News Service.

The tremors reached as far as Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. "It was very strong. People rushed out of their houses. Wires from poles were shaken loose," said Bishal Nath Upreti from the Nepal Centre for Disaster Management, a local NGO.

The region near the epicenter is sparsely populated, with small villages scattered across isolated Himalayan valleys. Approximately 6,900 people live in 27 villages within a 20-km (12-mile) radius of the epicenter, according to Xinhua.

Chinese social media videos, verified by CNN, showed damaged roofs, shop fronts, and debris in Lhatse County, around 86 kilometers (53 miles) from the epicenter. Vehicles parked along the streets also sustained damage.

Shigatse, the nearest major city, lies 180 km (111 miles) away from the epicenter and is home to about 800,000 residents. It is also the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama, residing in self-imposed exile in India, expressed his condolences, stating, “I offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives and extend my wishes for a swift recovery to all who have been injured.”

Surveillance footage from a supermarket in Shigatse captured the moment the quake struck, with customers fleeing as goods tumbled from shelves. There were no immediate reports of widespread damage in the city.

Pu Chi, a resident of Bainang County, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Tingri, described her experience: "I was really scared. I quickly threw on some clothes and ran outside, then called my family."

Anna Guo, an 18-year-old college student on a tour to Mount Everest, recounted the terrifying moment: "We heard something, then realized it was an earthquake. It got stronger and stronger, and the windows started shaking.”

Local authorities shut down the Mount Everest base camp and surrounding scenic areas. Despite winter being an off-season for climbing, some tourists were present for the breathtaking views. Ba Luo, a staff member at the base camp, confirmed that no structural damage occurred, and all tourists were evacuated safely.

In Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, near the Chinese border, the tremors triggered memories of the devastating 2015 earthquake that killed around 9,000 people. "The tremors were very strong; everyone is panicked," said Rupesh Vishwakarmi, a local official.

Nepali police reported 13 injuries and noted damage to several homes. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that one house was completely destroyed.

Rescue operations in Tibet involved the Chinese air force, with over 200 military personnel deployed to Tingri County and 1,500 more on standby. CCTV reported that three villages lost phone signals. Social media videos showed rescue teams digging through rubble with bare hands, searching for survivors among collapsed buildings.

As of noon Monday, the China Earthquake Networks Center recorded 49 aftershocks. In a statement, Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged officials to prioritize rescue efforts, minimize casualties, and ensure the affected residents' safety and warmth during the harsh winter.

Tibet remains one of China’s most restricted regions, with access tightly controlled since the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule.