At least 95 people have been confirmed dead, and 130 others injured following a powerful earthquake that struck Tibet’s mountainous region on Tuesday morning, according to Chinese state media.
The earthquake, measuring 7.1 in magnitude, struck near the holy city of Shigatse around 9:00 a.m. local time (01:00 GMT). The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake’s depth at 10 kilometers (6 miles) and noted multiple aftershocks in the area. Tremors were also felt in parts of Nepal and India, underscoring the region’s seismic activity due to its position on a major geological fault line.
Shigatse, a city of spiritual significance in Tibetan Buddhism, is home to the Panchen Lama’s traditional seat. The Panchen Lama is considered the second-highest authority in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama. Gedhun Choekyi Niyima, the boy recognized as the reincarnated Panchen Lama, disappeared at age six, with China subsequently appointing its own Panchen Lama. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 and remains a central figure for Tibetans opposing Beijing’s rule. Many believe China plans to select the next Dalai Lama following the current one’s passing.
Tuesday’s earthquake is among the deadliest to hit China in recent years. Videos broadcast by Chinese state media showed extensive damage, with homes and buildings reduced to rubble. Rescue teams worked amid the debris, distributing blankets to affected residents.
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In Tingri County, near the quake’s epicenter, temperatures are frigid, ranging from -8°C (17.6°F) during the day to as low as -18°C (0°F) at night, according to the China Meteorological Administration. The earthquake has disrupted power and water supplies in the region.
Tingri, a base camp for climbers aiming to summit Mount Everest, was heavily affected. Scheduled Everest sightseeing tours for Tuesday were canceled, and the area was closed for safety. Local tourism staff reported that three visitors present during the quake were safely evacuated to open areas.
Chinese authorities reported a slightly lower magnitude of 6.8 and noted that the tremors caused significant damage, affecting over 1,000 homes. Aftershocks, some strong, continue to shake the area, but Jiang Haikun, a researcher at the China Earthquake Networks Center, reassured the public that a larger earthquake was unlikely, though smaller quakes of around magnitude 5 could still occur.
Since China annexed Tibet in the 1950s, it has maintained strict control over the autonomous region, including limitations on media and internet access.
One Shigatse hotel resident described the earthquake to local media, saying he was jolted awake by violent shaking. “It felt like the bed was being lifted,” he said. Rushing outside, he saw helicopters hovering overhead. The resident noted that Tibet had experienced smaller quakes recently, so he immediately recognized what was happening.
