7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Nepal Near Himalayan Region

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal early Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 1:05 AM UTC (6:35 AM local time), according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located 93 kilometers northeast of Lobuche, near the Himalayan region, a seismically active zone prone to significant tremors.

The quake, classified as a major seismic event, was felt across Nepal and neighboring regions, including parts of India and Tibet. Residents reported strong tremors, with many evacuating their homes as a precaution. Social media platforms were flooded with accounts of shaking and concerns about potential damage.

Local authorities and rescue teams are on high alert, assessing the situation for casualties, structural damage, and landslides. Nepal, which lies on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, has a history of devastating earthquakes, including the 2015 Gorkha earthquake that claimed nearly 9,000 lives.