A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 struck the foothills of the Himalayas near one of Tibet’s holiest cities on Tuesday, claiming 95 lives and leaving widespread devastation. Eyewitness footage shared by Reuters captures the aftermath, showing rubble-strewn streets and collapsed shops.
Epicenter Near Everest
The earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Mount Everest, according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre. The tremors were felt in neighboring countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, and India. The quake struck Tingri County at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), marking it as one of the most destructive in the region in recent years.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue teams faced significant challenges as they searched through rubble for survivors. Local residents reported extensive damage, with dirt-made houses and brick structures suffering severe cracks or complete collapse.
Sangji Dangzhi, a local supermarket owner in Tingri, described the situation as dire, with ambulances ferrying injured people to hospitals throughout the day.
Spiritual Leader Offers Prayers
The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, expressed his sorrow over the tragedy. “I offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives and extend my wishes for a swift recovery to all who have been injured,” he said in a message.
Eyewitness Accounts and Footage
Surveillance footage captured the chaotic moments as shelves in stores shook violently, sending items tumbling to the ground. Tourists and locals described scenes of cracked buildings and streets filled with debris. In Lhatse, a town 65 kilometers from the epicenter, significant structural damage was observed.
Historical Context
This region, known as the Lhasa block, has experienced 21 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher since 1950. The most significant recent quake occurred in Mainling in 2017, with a magnitude of 6.9.
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage as rescue efforts intensify. The earthquake has highlighted the vulnerability of traditional construction methods in the region and the need for improved disaster preparedness.
Sources By Agencies
