Powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake strikes Tibet, raising fears over Himalayan disaster risks

A powerful earthquake struck northern Tibet at 10.33 pm on Thursday, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was in Baqên County, in Nagqu city, Tibet. The county lies approximately 190–191 kilometres east-north-east of Nagqu and around 390–400 kilometres from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

The earthquake originated at a depth of approximately 10–18 kilometres below the Earth's surface. The surrounding area has an average elevation of around 4,864 metres (approximately 15,960 feet) above sea level, making it a high-altitude mountainous region with a sparse population. Tibet was shaken by two earthquakes within a span of around 40 minutes. Tremors were also reported in another part of China.

According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Tibet at around 8.03 pm Indian Standard Time. The epicentre was approximately 489 kilometres north-north-west of Pandin in Arunachal Pradesh. The NCS placed the earthquake's focus at a depth of around 173 kilometres below the Earth's surface.

Shortly afterwards, at around 8.42 pm, the region was shaken by another earthquake measuring 5.0. The epicentre of the second tremor was approximately 323 kilometres north-north-west of Basar in Arunachal Pradesh. According to the NCS, the earthquake originated at a depth of around 15 kilometres.

Meanwhile, another earthquake measuring 5.2 was reported in a different part of China at around 8.29 pm. Its epicentre was approximately 505 kilometres north-north-west of Pandin in Arunachal Pradesh. The NCS reported that the tremor originated at a depth of around 15 kilometres.

The development comes just weeks after devastating flash floods and landslides struck mountainous areas along the Nepal-Tibet border, causing significant loss of life and extensive property damage. The region is still recovering from the disaster. The latest powerful earthquake has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to natural disasters.

The earthquake was the strongest to strike China since January 2024. Both the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the China Earthquake Networks Centre (CENC) confirmed its magnitude at 7.0. The earthquake was caused by normal faulting, a geological process associated with the east-west extension of the Tibetan Plateau.

The Tibetan Plateau is a seismically active region. Since 1900, around 29 earthquakes measuring 7.0 or higher have occurred in the area. In 2010, an earthquake measuring 6.9 struck a nearby region, killing more than 2,500 people.

Preliminary reports put the death toll at between 16 and 18, while the number of injured was estimated at between 32 and 54, or possibly higher. Eleven people were reported to be in critical condition, while the remaining casualties sustained minor injuries.

At least 339 houses collapsed in Baqên County, while cracks appeared in many other buildings. Around 20 livestock shelters were also damaged. Reports from Maru Township described collapsed houses, cracks in walls and fissures in the ground.

Rockfalls blocked sections of National Highway 317, damaging vehicles and roadside barriers. Electricity supplies were disrupted, while communications with several areas were cut off.

Several aftershocks were recorded shortly after the main earthquake. According to the USGS, at least seven aftershocks measuring between 4.3 and 5.2 were recorded. Local residents fled their homes in the darkness and sought shelter outdoors. Footage broadcast on state television showed people rushing out of restaurants and supermarkets as the tremors struck.

Rescue operations began immediately after the earthquake. Local authorities declared a Level 2 or Level 3 emergency response. More than 1,600 rescue workers were deployed from Baqên County.

Relief supplies included 1,000 prefabricated housing units, 3,000 tents, folding beds, torches and winter clothing. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered a full-scale rescue operation, while Premier Li Qiang directed officials to ensure urgent medical treatment for the injured and rehabilitation for those affected.

With Tibet's high altitude of around 4,500 metres and snowfall forecast in the coming days, officials believe rescue operations could become more challenging.

According to experts, Tibet's geological location and high altitude can significantly intensify the impact of earthquakes compared with other regions. However, the overall damage is relatively limited because Tibet is less densely populated.

The earthquake has once again highlighted Tibet's vulnerability to natural disasters. Local authorities continue to carry out rescue and rehabilitation operations, while government assistance remains available for the treatment of the injured and support for families whose homes have been damaged.