7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Nepal-Tibet Border, 126 Lives Lost, Rescue Efforts Underway

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Nepal-Tibet border region early Tuesday morning, with its epicenter located in the Tibet Autonomous Region near the border with Nepal. The tremors were felt widely, even reaching northern India, where residents in states such as Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Delhi-NCR experienced panic as they rushed outdoors. Fortunately, no casualties or significant property damage have been reported in India so far. The earthquake occurred at 6:35 AM IST, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The National Centre for Seismology confirmed the coordinates as 28.86°N latitude and 87.51°E longitude, pinpointing its location approximately 93 kilometers northeast of Lobuche, not far from the renowned Khumbu Glacier and Everest Base Camp. In the immediate aftermath, rescue efforts have been intensive. The regional government reported that the earthquake has tragically resulted in 126 fatalities and left 188 individuals injured. Hong Li, head of the regional emergency management department, noted a staggering 646 aftershocks have been detected since the initial quake, with the largest measuring 4.4 in magnitude. This aftershock was located about 18 kilometers from the epicenter, raising further concerns about the safety of structures in the region. Efforts to restore normalcy have seen telecommunications, roads, and power services gradually coming back online in the quake-affected areas. The Red Cross Society of China has also stepped in, dispatching a second batch of relief supplies that includes thousands of essential items such as cotton tents, quilts, and folding beds. Additionally, over 50 rescue workers have been mobilized to assist in the recovery efforts, equipped with emergency sanitary facilities and catering vehicles. In Tonglai Village, located in Changsuo Township of Dingri in Xigaze (Shigatse), several homes were reported to have collapsed, highlighting the quake's destructive impact on local infrastructure. The region, characterized by its geological instability due to the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, is no stranger to seismic activity. The earthquake has reignited concerns about the vulnerability of the area, which has a history of devastating quakes. Authorities in both Nepal and India are maintaining a vigilant stance as they monitor the ongoing situation, particularly given the extensive aftershock activity. As the community grapples with the immediate aftermath, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected and restoring stability to a region that is all too familiar with the tremors of nature’s fury.