Wed Jan 08 16:17:01 UTC 2025: ## Tibet Earthquake Kills 126, Leaves Thousands Homeless

**SHIGATSE, TIBET –** A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the remote Shigatse region of Tibet on Tuesday, leaving at least 126 dead and 188 injured. The quake, which also caused tremors felt in Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of India, has left an estimated 46,000 people displaced and over 1,000 homes damaged. The search for survivors has concluded.

The epicenter, located in the high-altitude Dingri county near Mount Everest, experienced significant destruction. Videos showed collapsed homes and buildings reduced to rubble. The extreme cold, coupled with the region’s remoteness, hampered initial rescue efforts. However, the Chinese government swiftly deployed 1,500 rescue workers, including military personnel, and has dispatched 22,000 relief items, including tents and quilts.

While tremors were felt as far away as Kathmandu, Nepal, and Bihar, India, casualties outside of Tibet were limited to a single injury in Kathmandu. The Nepal Police reported a man injured after jumping from a house during the shaking.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for swift rescue, resettlement, and ensuring the safety and warmth of affected residents during the harsh winter conditions. Authorities are currently assessing the damage across the affected townships.

Seismologists attribute the quake to the region’s location on a major geological fault line where the Indian tectonic plate collides with the Eurasian plate. While the region experiences frequent seismic activity, Tuesday’s quake is considered one of the most powerful in the area in the last five years and among the worst to hit the Himalayan region in a century. Experts emphasize the need for earthquake-resistant building practices and public education to mitigate future damage.

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