January 7, 2025 — Tibet Earthquake: Disaster Details
Two CCTV footages show strong 7.0 earthquake in Tibet region, China.
Earthquake was relatively shallow, at the depth of 10km.
At least 53 people have tragically lost their lives while more than 70 are injured.
There were dozen of aftershocks in China and Nepal.#earthquake… pic.twitter.com/kFsGVwfl4f— Disasters Daily (@DisastersAndI) January 7, 2025
At 09:05 local time, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 in magnitude shook the western region of China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The epicenter was in Dingri County, about 94 kilometers northeast of Lobuche and 163 kilometers west-southwest of the city of Shigatse, home to about 80,000 people.
The earthquake struck at a depth of 10 km, indicating high intensity, according to the China Earthquake Research Center (CENC). The strongest tremors were felt by about 4,000 people, while more than 500,000 people in the region felt moderate impacts.
The official death toll has reached 53 people, with 62 injured. Local authorities have deployed a Level II emergency response, sending more than 1,500 rescuers to the scene, as well as relief supplies including tents, blankets and special materials for cold mountain areas.
Experts warn that the region remains vulnerable to secondary hazards such as landslides and liquefaction, which could worsen the damage.
Causes and geological features
The earthquake occurred as a result of a normal fault along a fault oriented nearly perpendicular to the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The region is known for its high seismic activity caused by the collision of plates, which contributes to the uplift of the Himalayan mountains.
Similar disasters in the past, including a magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Nepal in 2015, have caused significant destruction and numerous casualties.
Forecast for the coming days
Seismologists warn of possible aftershocks over the next 7-10 days. Their magnitude may reach 5.0-6.0, which will create additional risks for damaged buildings and infrastructure.
Residents of the region are advised to avoid being near destroyed buildings and be prepared to evacuate. It is also important to follow warnings from local authorities and seismological services.
This earthquake is a reminder of the high seismic activity of the Himalayan region. Experts emphasize the need to strengthen monitoring and implement seismic-resistant technologies in construction.
Chief forecaster and ideologist of the weather forecast service Pogodnik. Co-author of scientific articles and specialized content for various online media.
