A powerful earthquake struck the Himalayan foothills near one of Tibet’s holiest cities on Tuesday, claiming at least 95 lives and destroying hundreds of homes. According to the US Geological Survey, the 6.8-magnitude quake occurred at a depth of 10 km (6 miles). Chinese state media reported that 130 people were injured on the Tibetan side, and 1,500 firefighters and rescue workers were mobilized to search for survivors.
Xinhua reported that many of the damaged homes were located in villages within approximately 12 miles of the epicenter. Videos shared on social media showed rescue workers in orange uniforms navigating piles of debris blocking entrances to homes in severely affected villages, with rubble strewn across the streets.
The epicenter was about 80 km (50 miles) north of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain. It is a popular destination for climbers and trekkers, but winter is not the usual time of year for such pursuits.
Climbers reported strong shaking and buildings collapsing. A video posted on social media from the town of Lhatse showed collapsed shopfronts and debris spilling onto the road. The footage was geolocated, and Reuters could confirm the location by nearby buildings, windows, road layout, and signage that match satellite and street view imagery.
The impact was also felt in Nepal, where tremors were reported in seven hill districts bordering Tibet. The capital, Kathmandu, some 400 km (250 miles) away, was jolted, but no damage or injuries were immediately reported.
China closed the area around Mount Everest after the earthquake, citing safety concerns. It said the region would remain closed until further notice and that it would send rescue teams to help with the recovery effort.
Tremors also shook buildings in neighboring Bhutan and India. The tremors were accompanied by loud bangs and strong aftershocks that shook the floor of the parliament building in the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. The quake also shook the main airport in the northern Indian state of Bihar, which shares a border with Tibet.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for full-scale rescue and recovery efforts, prioritizing minimizing casualties, properly resetting those affected, and ensuring they have a warm winter. He ordered top officials to head to the disaster zone and oversee relief work.
The impact was felt across the Shigatse region of Tibet, home to about 800,000 residents. The area is governed by Shigatse City, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Xinhua said several thousand people have been evacuated from their homes. The Tibetan government has sent tents and food to the region, but the extent of the damage is not yet clear. Its officials were liaising with Nepalese authorities to gather information, it added.