Context:
- A powerful earthquake struck Tibet on January 9, 2025, killing at least 126 people and injuring 188 others.
- The earthquake hit Tingri County, Xigaze, located 80 km north of Mount Everest, near the border with Nepal.
- Tremors were felt in neighboring Nepal (Kathmandu) and parts of India (Bihar), causing widespread panic.
Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management )
Magnitude and Impact:
- China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) measured the quake at 6.8 magnitude, while the U.S. Geological Survey reported it at 7.1 magnitude.
- The earthquake struck at around 9:00 a.m. local time.
- The mountainous and rural terrain of the area, with many houses built from dirt, exacerbated the destruction.
Casualties and Damage:
- 126 confirmed deaths and 188 injuries (28 in critical condition).
- Approximately 3,609 houses collapsed, with significant damage reported to buildings.
- The earthquake was the deadliest in China since 2014.
Geographical and Social Context:
- Tingri County, with a population of around 62,000, is less developed compared to urban centers like Lhasa.
- The area is surrounded by rugged, mountainous terrain, making rescue efforts challenging.
Rescue and Relief Efforts:
- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out search and rescue efforts.”
- Rescue teams have been mobilized, and some injured individuals have been transferred to hospitals.
- Locals have been provided with blankets and supplies to endure the subzero temperatures in the aftermath of the quake.
Regional Impact:
- Tremors were felt in Kathmandu, Nepal, particularly near the Everest region and Lobuche.
- Some tremors were also experienced in Bihar, India, though no injuries have been reported there.
- Aftershocks followed the main tremor, complicating rescue and relief operations.
Condolences and International Reactions:
- The Dalai Lama expressed deep sadness over the tragedy.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials have extended their condolences and called for swift action to assist those affected.
Historical Context:
- This earthquake is the most powerful recorded in the region within a 200 km b in the last five years.
- The December 2023 earthquake in Gansu, China, killed 148 people and displaced thousands, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
- The 2014 earthquake in Yunnan province remains China’s deadliest earthquake in recent history, with over 600 fatalities.
Challenges in Recovery:
- The mountainous terrain and the rural setting of the affected areas pose significant challenges for timely and effective rescue operations.
- Damage to infrastructure and housing, coupled with harsh weather conditions, complicates recovery efforts
