Earthquake Details:
- A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Tibetan China and Nepal on January 7, 2025.
- The epicentre was located 80 km north of Mt Everest, in Tingry county, Shigatse region, Tibet.
- The quake caused 95 deaths, 130 injuries, and widespread destruction in China; the impact on Nepal is still being assessed.
- Tremors were felt in Kathmandu, Thimphu, and Kolkata.
Relevance ; GS 3(Disaster Management)
Significance of Location:
- The epicentre lies in the Lhasa terrane, a fragment of the Earth’s crust.
- The Lhasa terrane is home to critical infrastructure, including China’s largest hydroelectric-power dam project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which flows into India as the Brahmaputra.
- Concerns over the dam’s impact on river flow, potential water shortages, and India’s interest in the river’s management.
Hydroelectric Dam Project:
- China’s project aims to generate 300 billion kWh annually.
- The dam is located in the Lhasa terrane, and concerns about its effect on the river’s flow have raised environmental and geopolitical issues with India.
Himalayan Tectonics:
- The quake’s cause is linked to the tectonic collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates, which created the Himalayan mountain range 50 million years ago.
- The Indian plate is still pushing into the Eurasian plate at 60 mm/year, generating significant tectonic stress and causing frequent earthquakes in the region.
Historical Earthquake Activity:
- Since 1950, over 21 significant earthquakes have occurred in the Lhasa terrane, with a magnitude of 6 or higher.
- The strongest in recent years was a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Mainline in 2017.
Implications for Water and Environment:
- The Himalayan region, considered the “third pole” due to its vast water reserves, is sensitive to seismic activity.
- Earthquakes can alter river courses, destabilize glaciers, and increase flood risks.
Geological Concerns:
- Understanding past and current tectonic stress in the region is key for predicting future earthquakes and their potential impact on infrastructure and the environment.
