The earthquake hit the country’s Xizang region at at 5.52 pm (IST) at a depth of 16 kilometres, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS).
“EQ of M: 4.3, On: 07/01/2025 17:52:20 IST, Lat: 28.38 N, Long: 87.45 E, Depth: 16 Km, Location: Xizang,” said NCS in a post on X.
Meanwhile, the death toll rose to 126 from the destructive earthquake earlier in the day, while at least 188 were reported injured, according to China’s state media quoted by AP. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake at a depth of 10 kilometers, making it relatively shallow and more destructive. At least 150 aftershocks have been reported, causing further anxiety in the region.
More than 1,000 houses were damaged, leaving residents vulnerable in the high-altitude winter cold. Rescue efforts are underway, with over 3,000 personnel deployed to the affected region, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported.
The epicentre of the initial quake was in Tingri County, about 180 kilometers from Shigatse and close to Nepal. Tremors were felt as far as Kathmandu, where residents fled into the streets. The sparsely populated area near Mount Everest saw significant damage, with rubble strewn across streets and homes reduced to debris.
Tibet-Nepal Tragedy: Most Powerful Quake Hits; Buildings Collapse Like A Pack Of Cards | Watch
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Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for “all-out efforts” to rescue survivors, minimize casualties, and provide relief. The government has allocated 100 million yuan ($13.6 million) for disaster relief.
This marks the latest in a series of significant earthquakes in the Himalayan region, where the India and Eurasia plates collide, causing frequent seismic activity.
