Tingri: A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake rocked the northern foothills of the Himalayas in Tibet on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 53 people dead and over 60 injured. The tremors were felt across neighbouring countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of India, causing panic among residents.
Epicentre in Tingri Near Everest Region
The earthquake struck at 9:05 AM local time (0105 GMT), with its epicentre located in Tingri, a rural county in Tibet known as the northern gateway to the Everest region. The China Earthquake Networks Centre reported the quake at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), intensifying its destructive impact.
National broadcaster CCTV confirmed that all 53 fatalities occurred on the Tibetan side, with several buildings collapsing in the affected areas. Rescue teams have been deployed to Tingri and surrounding regions to assist in recovery efforts.
Impact Across Borders
The quake’s tremors were strongly felt across parts of North India, including Delhi-NCR and Bihar, as well as in Nepal and Bhutan. Many residents rushed out of their homes in panic as buildings swayed under the seismic activity. Initial reports from these regions suggest no significant damage, but officials are monitoring the situation closely.
Historical Context and Concerns
The Himalayan region, situated on a tectonic collision zone, is highly prone to earthquakes. The latest tremor has raised concerns about the safety of communities living in this seismically active area.
Authorities in Tibet have begun assessing the damage to infrastructure, with reports of multiple buildings reduced to rubble in Tingri and nearby villages. Relief operations are underway to provide medical aid, shelter, and food to those affected.
A Wake-Up Call for Preparedness
The devastating quake serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Experts stress the need for robust earthquake preparedness measures, particularly in densely populated areas near the Himalayas.
