Powerful 7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Tibet-Nepal Border, Causing Widespread Destruction and Loss of Life:
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit near the Tibet-Nepal border early Tuesday, causing widespread devastation. According to China’s state media through AFP, over 30 people lost their lives, and numerous buildings were reduced to rubble. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities assess the full extent of the damage caused by the tremor in the affected region.
The earthquake struck at 6:35 AM IST, with its epicenter located in the Tibet region, approximately 93 km northeast of Lobuche, Nepal, as per the US Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor’s impact was felt across the region, causing significant damage. Details on casualties and affected areas are still being gathered as rescue efforts continue.
6.8-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Tibet-Nepal Border, Felt Across North India:
The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, sent shockwaves across several regions, including Bihar and parts of North India. Lobuche, located near the Khumbu Glacier in Nepal and around 150 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is close to the Everest Base Camp. China’s earthquake monitoring agency measured the quake’s magnitude at 6.8, with the epicenter situated at approximately 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) above sea level. The tremors were felt widely, causing concerns about damage in mountainous areas and impacting nearby communities. Rescue and relief efforts are underway as authorities continue to assess the full impact of the disaster.
At 7:02 AM IST, a 4.7-magnitude earthquake was recorded, with its epicenter located at 28.60°N latitude and 87.68°E longitude, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Just five minutes later, another tremor of magnitude 4.9 struck at 7:07 AM IST. This quake’s epicenter was at 28.68°N latitude and 87.54°E longitude, at a greater depth of 30 kilometers. Both quakes were felt in nearby regions, but initial reports suggest limited damage. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as aftershocks may continue in the coming hours, prompting ongoing assessments of potential risks and the need for emergency response.
Experts say that Nepal is highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its location in a seismically active region, making seismic events unavoidable. The country’s position along major tectonic fault lines increases the likelihood of tremors, and the ongoing tectonic shifts in the region contribute to frequent seismic activity. As a result, earthquake risks remain a significant concern for the nation.
Nepal’s last major earthquake occurred on April 25, 2015, when a 7.8 magnitude tremor claimed nearly 9,000 lives, marking the deadliest in the country’s history. The earthquake also destroyed around one million buildings. Prior to that, the most catastrophic quake in the region was in 1934, which resulted in over 8,000 deaths.
