A massive and destructive earthquake struck Tibet on Thursday night, sending violent tremors across the region and causing extensive damage to life and property. According to the latest available updates, the disaster has claimed the lives of at least 16 people, while 32 others have sustained injuries. Among the injured, the condition of 11 individuals is reported to be critical, raising concerns that the casualty toll could increase as rescue efforts continue.
Deep Epicenter Located in Northern Tibet
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the powerful tremor was recorded at around 8:03 PM Indian Standard Time. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in Nagqu City in northern Tibet, roughly 400 kilometers away from the regional capital of Lhasa. Seismologists noted that the disturbance originated at a depth of approximately 173 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface.
Hundreds of Homes Collapse in Nagqu
The sudden and violent shaking triggered immediate panic throughout the affected localities. Buildings and vehicles began to sway aggressively, prompting terrified residents to rush out of their homes and hotels in search of safety. Closed-circuit television footage captured items tumbling down from store shelves inside commercial establishments. Official figures indicate that hundreds of houses have collapsed across the northern city of Nagqu due to the strong tremors.
Largest Earthquake in Tibet in Five Years
This seismic event marks the largest earthquake to hit the Tibet region in the past five years. Citing city government officials, the Nagqu media office confirmed that at least 339 houses were destroyed in the disaster. Search and rescue operations are proceeding continuously to locate anyone potentially trapped beneath the debris. Simultaneously, authorities are erecting tents to provide temporary shelter for displaced residents who lost their homes.
Region Recently Affected by Severe Flooding
The earthquake arrives closely on the heels of other recent natural disasters in the region, including severe floods and landslides that struck near the border between Nepal and China's Tibet Autonomous Region just weeks prior. Those previous disasters resulted in over 1,400 deaths and left thousands missing. Additionally, a recent avalanche was reported at the Himlung Himal base camp near the Tibet border in western Nepal, leaving 10 people missing.
Understanding the Seismicity of Tibet
Tibet is situated in one of the most seismically active zones in the world, where frequent earthquakes pose a constant threat. The region's geography is shaped by the continuous collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, an ongoing process that originally formed the Himalayan mountain range but also drives high levels of seismic activity across the area.
