Tue Jan 07 07:44:28 IST 2025: ## Strong Earthquake Strikes Tibet, Tremors Felt Across Region
**Kathmandu, Nepal/Beijing, China –** A powerful earthquake measuring between 6.8 and 7.1 magnitude struck near Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, on Tuesday at 9:05 am local time (01:05 GMT), triggering tremors felt hundreds of kilometers away in Nepal and northern India. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), caused damage in Shigatse and surrounding areas, with reports of collapsed houses and buildings.
Chinese state media reported damage to houses in Tonglai village, Tingri county, and showed videos of crumbled shop fronts in Lhatse, a nearby town. Authorities are assessing potential casualties. In Nepal, residents in Kathmandu and areas near Mount Everest reported feeling strong shaking and running from their homes. While initial reports indicate widespread alarm, the extent of damage and casualties in Nepal remains unclear. A government official in Nepal’s Namche region near Everest described strong shaking but said damage assessment was ongoing.
The earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 380km (236 miles) from Lhasa, the Tibetan capital. CCTV reported that only a few communities were within 5km (3 miles) of the epicenter. The region has a history of seismic activity, with 29 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or higher recorded within 200km (124 miles) of the epicenter in the past five years. The current quake is significantly larger than previous events in the area. The incident recalls devastating earthquakes in the region, including the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China and the 2015 Nepal earthquake, both of which resulted in significant loss of life. International aid organizations are reportedly preparing to respond to the potential needs arising from the quake.
First Piper 