Wed Jan 08 09:10:17 UTC 2025: ## Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Tibet, Killing at Least 53

**Kathmandu, Nepal/Xigaze, Tibet –** A devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck southern Xizang (Tibet) on January 7th, claiming at least 53 lives and injuring 62 more. The quake, which hit at 9:05 AM local time, was centered near Dingri County, approximately 157 kilometers southwest of Xigaze City and 230 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu. The shallow depth of 10 kilometers amplified the shaking, affecting tens of thousands of people.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that 4,000 people experienced severe shaking, 15,000 very strong shaking, and 57,000 strong shaking. The impact was particularly severe in Dingri County, where numerous houses collapsed and power outages were reported. At least 13 aftershocks with magnitudes exceeding 4.1 have been recorded since the initial tremor. Rescue efforts are underway, with 1,500 personnel deployed by the Chinese authorities to search for those still trapped under the rubble.

While the earthquake was strongly felt across 13 northern districts of Nepal, including Kathmandu, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported no casualties or damage within the country. The situation in Dingri County remains critical, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

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