On a quiet Tuesday morning, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck near the Nepal-Tibet border at around 6:35 am, causing widespread destruction. At least 53 people lost their lives, 62 were injured, and numerous buildings collapsed in the affected regions. The epicenter, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS), was in Tibet, about 93 kilometers northeast of Lobuche, Nepal—a settlement near the Khumbu Glacier and close to Everest Base Camp.
Widespread Impact Across Regions
The tremors were felt across Nepal, Tibet, and northern India, including Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. Even Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, reported experiencing the earthquake. In Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, residents awoke in panic as the tremors jolted them out of their homes. “It shook quite strongly here; everyone is awake,” said Jagat Prasad Bhusal, a government official from Nepal’s Namche region, closer to Mount Everest.
Severe Damage in Dingri County
China’s Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) measured the quake’s magnitude slightly lower, at 6.8, with the epicentral region at an altitude of 4,200 meters. Dingri County, located in Tibet’s Xigaze region, bore the brunt of the disaster. Reports from state broadcaster CCTV indicated widespread structural damage, with many buildings reduced to rubble. The region experienced multiple aftershocks, the strongest measuring 4.4 in magnitude, adding to the devastation and panic.
The Geology Behind the Disaster
Nepal lies on a major geological fault line where the Indian tectonic plate pushes against the Eurasian plate, forming the towering Himalayan Mountain range. This geological setting makes the region highly susceptible to earthquakes. The quake-prone nature of the area is tragically familiar; in 2015, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake killed nearly 9,000 people, injured over 22,000, and destroyed more than half a million homes.
Efforts to Assess the Damage
Local authorities in Tibet and Nepal have been working tirelessly to evaluate the damage and provide aid to affected areas. In Tibet’s Dingri County, officials are reaching out to remote townships to assess the full impact of the quake. Rescue efforts are underway despite the challenges posed by the region’s high altitude and difficult terrain.
A Sobering Reminder
This latest earthquake underscores the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure in the region. While Nepal and its neighboring areas have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of natural disasters, the recurring seismic activity highlights the importance of proactive measures to mitigate future losses.
Nature’s fury has once again tested the spirit of the Himalayan communities, serving as a stark reminder of their vulnerability and the strength required to rebuild.
(With inputs from agencies)
