Deadly Earthquake Strikes Tibet, Killing 126 and Displacing Thousands

A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Tingri County in Tibet on Tuesday, killing at least 126 people and injuring 188, according to Chinese state media. The quake, one of the deadliest in the region in recent years, destroyed more than 3,600 homes and forced the evacuation of over 45,000 residents to temporary shelters.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located near Mount Everest, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of the world’s highest peak. The tremors were felt as far away as Nepal and parts of India, causing widespread panic and damage. Rescue operations have been challenging due to the high-altitude terrain, with average elevations exceeding 4,000 meters (13,000 feet).

Chinese authorities deployed 11,000 rescuers to the affected areas within hours of the quake. By Wednesday, the search for survivors was called off, with officials shifting focus to relocating the displaced and treating the injured. “Reconstruction must be accelerated to ensure the displaced can move into safe and warm homes as soon as possible,” said Vice Premier Zhang Guoping, who is leading the relief efforts.

The earthquake followed a northward compression of the Indian tectonic plate, which continues to move 5 centimeters (1.97 inches) northeast each year, according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre. The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates has made the region seismically active, with frequent tremors and uplifts that alter the Himalayan landscape.

This disaster is reminiscent of previous deadly earthquakes in China, including the 2008 Sichuan quake that killed nearly 90,000 people. In response to past tragedies, China has implemented stricter building codes and improved disaster response mechanisms. However, the remote and rugged terrain of Tibet presents unique challenges for rescue and recovery efforts.

As of Thursday, around 46,500 people have been relocated to 187 resettlement sites in towns surrounding Tingri. Prefabricated earthquake-proof houses are being erected to replace temporary tents, with each unit taking about 10 minutes to assemble. The Chinese government has pledged to expedite reconstruction and provide long-term support to affected communities.