Earthquake in Tibet Claims 53 Lives (7/1/2025)

Earthquake in Tibet Claims 53 Lives (7/1/2025) | Photo: Reuters

At least 53 people have died following a powerful earthquake in a remote Himalayan region in Tibet, Chinese media reports.

The magnitude 7.1 quake, accompanied by strong aftershocks, has caused significant damage, toppling numerous buildings. The city of Shingshat in Tibet is among the worst affected areas, with tremors also felt in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, northern India, and Bhutan.

Rescue Efforts Underway

The Chinese military has launched a major rescue operation, deploying drones to survey the impacted regions and coordinate aid efforts. Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage.

Reporting from China, BBC correspondent Laura Bier provides more details:

"We've seen footage from these remote regions. Rescuers have already reached some of those trapped in buildings. This disaster struck right at the foot of Mount Everest, within Mount Everest National Park. These communities are incredibly remote, situated at altitudes around 4,000 meters, with temperatures well below freezing."

The Chinese Air Force has been utilizing unmanned drones to locate individuals in need of assistance and direct rescue teams to the most critical areas.

Buildings and Casualties

Many of the collapsed structures are low-rise buildings in these isolated communities. Firefighters, as shown on state media, are meticulously searching through the rubble in hopes of finding survivors.

This region is no stranger to seismic activity; however, this quake is the strongest in five years. Over the past four hours, more than 40 aftershocks have been recorded, each registering approximately four on the Richter scale. These aftershocks, while relatively mild, have added to the anxiety and challenges facing the local population.

Accessing these remote areas poses significant difficulties, further complicating rescue operations. The use of drones by the Chinese Air Force is proving crucial in covering vast areas and directing rescue efforts efficiently.

Ongoing Efforts

Hundreds of rescuers have already been dispatched from the local region, according to state TV reports. China, which experiences frequent earthquakes, is well-practiced in emergency response, particularly in remote, mountainous regions under extreme conditions. Last year, a similar situation occurred in Xinjiang, where rescue teams were deployed under comparable circumstances.

Location:

Share :