7.1 Magnitude Quake Hits Nepal-Tibet Border, 32 Dead and Panic Ensues in Region

New Delhi: A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Nepal-Tibet border early Tuesday morning, resulting in at least 32 fatalities and leaving 38 people injured. The earthquake, which hit at 6:35 AM (IST), caused significant devastation, including numerous house collapses and widespread panic throughout the affected areas. The epicentre of the quake was identified in Xizang (Tibet Autonomous Region), close to the border with Nepal, specifically at a latitude of 28.86 degrees North and longitude 87.51 degrees East, situated at a depth of 10 kilometres. Reports from the Xinhua news agency confirmed that the city of Xizang has borne the brunt of the disaster, with a death toll of 32 and injuries to nearly four dozen individuals. In the wake of the initial shock, two aftershocks rattled the region shortly thereafter, further exacerbating the panic among residents. The first aftershock, measuring 4.7 in magnitude, was recorded at 7:02 AM (IST), followed by a second tremor of 4.9 magnitude just five minutes later. Both aftershocks were felt across several regions in North India, particularly in Bihar, where residents rushed out of their homes in fear. Fortunately, there have been no reports of significant property damage or casualties in India. The severity of the earthquake has reignited concerns regarding seismic activity in the region. Nepal is located in a seismically active zone, which frequently experiences earthquakes as a consequence of the tectonic collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates in the Himalayas. This underlying geological activity has historically rendered the area vulnerable to severe seismic events. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred 93 kilometres northeast of Lobuche, near the Khumbu Glacier, which lies approximately 150 kilometres east of Kathmandu and just 8.5 kilometres southwest of the Everest Base Camp. The closeness of the epicentre to these renowned landmarks underscores the seriousness of this seismic event. Local authorities and residents remain on high alert following the aftershocks, which, despite being of lower magnitude, have contributed to an atmosphere of anxiety in the affected regions. In response to the disaster, Nepal's government, along with local agencies, is mobilizing resources to assess the extent of the damage and provide essential relief to those impacted. Emergency response teams are already in action to assist the injured and conduct rescue operations in the hardest-hit areas. Historically, the Nepal-Tibet border region has been no stranger to devastating earthquakes. The catastrophic 2015 earthquake in Nepal, which took thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction, remains fresh in the minds of many residents. This context of vulnerability makes the latest quake particularly alarming for the governments and citizens of both Nepal and India. As the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates continue to shift, the threat of earthquakes remains ever-present. The recent 7.1 magnitude earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks associated with tectonic activity in the region. In light of this event, authorities are emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the impacts of such natural disasters moving forward.