7.1-magnitude earthquake kills at least 53 in Tibet

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake has struck Tibet, killing at least 53 people and injuring dozens more. The tremor hit the city of Shigatse on January 7, triggering widespread damage and prompting ongoing rescue efforts.

Jan  7, 2025 - A 7.1-magnitude earthquake has struck Tibet, killing at least 53 people and injuring 62 others. The earthquake hit the city of Shigatse at 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT) on January 7, with the epicenter located 10 kilometers below the surface, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The tremors were felt across a wide area, including neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and northern India, where people also reported strong shaking. A series of aftershocks, including one measuring 4.4 in magnitude, followed the initial earthquake.

The region is known for its seismic activity due to its position along a major fault line. Rescue operations are ongoing, with about 1,500 firefighters and emergency teams continuing to search for survivors.

This earthquake comes nearly a decade after the 2015 Nepal earthquake, which killed nearly 9,000 people and caused widespread destruction. The area remains highly vulnerable to such disasters, with authorities working to manage the immediate aftermath.