Powerful Earthquake Rocks Nepal, Epicenter in Tibet Sparks Panic and Concerns of Aftershocks

A powerful earthquake struck several regions in Nepal early this morning, sending tremors rippling across the country. The epicentre of the quake was identified as being in Dinggye, Tibet, approximately 285 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu. According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre (NEMRC), the earthquake registered a magnitude of 7, while the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a slightly higher magnitude of 7.1. The earthquake occurred at around 6:50 am, prompting panic among residents who quickly fled their homes. The tremors were especially strong in eastern hilly districts such as Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga, Khotang, Sankhuwasabha, and Bhojpur, with reports of shaking felt as far away as the Tarai region. Solukhumbu, bordering Tibet, experienced particularly noticeable jolts. Seismologist Shiba Subedi from the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) confirmed that while the epicentre lay outside Nepal, there is still a considerable risk of aftershocks in the aftermath of such seismic activity. "Due to the proximity of a large-scale earthquake, Nepal is prone to earthquake aftershocks. People should exercise caution and stay safe," Subedi advised. Security forces, including the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police, reported minor damages such as cracked walls and damaged mud structures, though fortunately, no human casualties have been reported thus far. The recent quake has drawn unsettling comparisons to the devastating 7.6-magnitude Gorkha earthquake of April 25, 2015, which resulted in nearly 9,000 fatalities and widespread destruction across Nepal. The memories of that tragedy were brought back to the forefront as residents experienced the powerful tremors this morning. In addition to the impacts felt in Nepal, Indian media reported that the earthquake was also noticeable in West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and other northern regions, including the capital city of Delhi. The region around the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian plates has a long history of significant seismic activity. Over the past century, there have been 10 earthquakes of magnitude 6 and greater in the vicinity. The most notorious among them was the 1934 M8.0 earthquake, which had a devastating impact on the region. Geologists have warned that the potential for future earthquakes remains high, particularly in western Nepal, where no major seismic events have been recorded in over 500 years. This absence of activity suggests that a considerable amount of seismic energy is accumulating underground, leading to heightened concern about the possibility of a major earthquake occurring in the near future. As the Indian subcontinent continues to shift northward and collide with the Eurasian plate, the entire Himalayan region remains at risk of seismic occurrences. With the tectonic plates constantly in motion, the likelihood of earthquakes in and around the Himalayas is an ever-present reality, making vigilance and preparedness vital for communities in these regions.