On Tuesday, a strong earthquake hit Tibet, close to the Himalayas, shaking buildings across neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and India. The earthquake, which was very powerful with a magnitude of 6.8, took place near Tingri, a small town in Tibet. The earthquake was deep in the ground, about 10 km below the surface, and it occurred around 9:05 a.m. local time.
Damage and Casualties
At least 95 people in Tibet were killed, and 130 others were injured, as reported by China’s state-run TV. The earthquake also caused serious damage in villages, including crushed buildings, and many aftershocks followed. In Tingri, there were strong shakes, and several aftershocks up to 4.4 magnitude were felt. Many people in Lhatse, a nearby town, reported collapsed shop fronts, with debris scattered on the road.
While the earthquake was also felt in Nepal, Bhutan, and India, there have been no confirmed deaths from these places. However, in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, people were frightened by the shaking, and one person was hurt after jumping from the top of a house to escape the quake.
Rescue Efforts and Aid
Chinese officials are working hard to help people in Tibet. Over 1,500 rescue workers have been sent to the affected areas, along with tents, blankets, and beds to help the people get through the cold winter. China’s President Xi Jinping has asked for all efforts to be made to rescue people and help those affected.
In Tibet’s Shigatse region, around 6,900 people live near the epicenter, and over 1,000 houses were damaged by the quake. Rescue teams are reaching out to nearby towns to check for more damage. The government has also closed the Mount Everest region to tourists as a safety measure.
Earthquake’s Cause and History
This earthquake happened because of the tension between two huge parts of the Earth’s crust, pushing against each other and causing the ground to shake. Tibet and the surrounding areas are known for having many earthquakes, with one of the largest in the region happening in 2017.
The area near the Himalayas is known for strong earthquakes because the Earth’s plates are constantly moving and causing stress. In 2015, a huge earthquake in Nepal, with a magnitude of 7.8, killed nearly 9,000 people and caused massive damage.
Impact in Neighboring Countries
People in Nepal, Bhutan, and India also felt the earthquake, though there were no major reports of damage. Residents in Kathmandu, Nepal, were shaken by the quake, and some ran outside their homes in fear. However, many were thankful that there were no large-scale disasters like in 2015.
This earthquake reminds us how powerful nature can be and how important it is for countries to work together during such emergencies. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and people around the world are sending their thoughts to those affected by the earthquake.
