Deadly Earthquake Strikes Tibet’s Holy City Shigatse, Scores Confirmed Dead

At least 95 people have lost their lives, and 130 others are injured following a powerful earthquake that struck the Shigatse region of Tibet on Tuesday morning. The tremor, recorded at a magnitude of 7.1 by the US Geological Survey, occurred at 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT) with a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles).

The earthquake, one of the deadliest in recent years, caused extensive destruction in the region. Neighboring Nepal and parts of India also felt the tremors. Videos aired on China’s state broadcaster CCTV revealed scenes of devastation, with houses and buildings reduced to rubble as rescue workers combed through debris, providing relief to survivors.
Shigatse, one of Tibet’s holiest cities, holds great spiritual significance. It is traditionally the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest authority in Tibetan Buddhism. The earthquake’s destruction has added to the challenges faced by the city, which has long been at the heart of Tibetan cultural and political tensions.

Temperatures in Tingri county, close to the epicenter, have plummeted to -8°C (17.6°F) and are expected to drop further to -18°C (0°F) by nightfall. The region, known for its proximity to Mount Everest, has seen disruptions in power and water supplies, further complicating rescue and relief efforts.

Chinese state media reported that over 1,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, with several strong aftershocks following the initial quake. Rescue teams are working in sub-zero conditions to provide aid, including distributing warm blankets and medical care.

The Tibet region lies along a significant geological fault line, making it prone to earthquakes. While such events are not uncommon, the scale and impact of this earthquake highlight the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.