Earthquake in China claims 53 lives, tremors felt across Nepal and beyond

January 7, 2025, 11:57:12 AM |

KATHMANDU: At least 53 people have been killed in a powerful earthquake that struck Dingyi County in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on Tuesday morning. According to Chinese state media Xinhua, the earthquake also left 62 people injured.

The China Earthquake Networks Center reported that the 6.8-magnitude earthquake occurred at 9:50 a.m. local time, with a shallow depth of 10 km. However, the US Geological Survey recorded the earthquake’s magnitude as 7.1, while Nepal’s National Earthquake Measurement Center reported it at 7.0.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located near the northeastern border of Nepal, with seven villages within a 5 km radius and two cities approximately 20 km away, according to CCTV. The tremors were felt across various districts of Nepal, as well as in Thimphu, Bhutan; Bihar, India; and parts of Bangladesh.

Videos and images of collapsed buildings have surfaced on Chinese media, showcasing the extent of the destruction. Relief and rescue teams have been dispatched to the affected areas to assist with recovery efforts.

This earthquake adds to the devastating history of seismic activity in the region. In 2008, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake in China’s Sichuan province claimed the lives of at least 70,000 people. Similarly, in Nepal, the 2015 Gorkha earthquake of 7.6 magnitude resulted in around 9,000 fatalities.

The impact of the tremors has been widely reported, with residents across the affected regions recounting moments of panic as buildings shook and alarms rang. In Dingyi County, the damage to infrastructure is extensive, with homes, schools, and public buildings severely affected.

According to initial reports from Chinese authorities, emergency response teams are prioritizing the evacuation of survivors and providing medical aid to the injured. Temporary shelters have been set up to accommodate displaced families, and efforts are underway to restore communication lines and electricity in the most affected areas.

The tremors also sparked fear in Nepal, where memories of the 2015 Gorkha earthquake remain vivid. In Kathmandu and surrounding districts, residents were reported to have rushed out of their homes and workplaces as the tremors were felt. The quake’s reach extended southward to Bihar in India and as far as Dhaka, Bangladesh, demonstrating the vast impact of the seismic event.

Experts have highlighted the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to earthquakes due to the ongoing tectonic activity between the Indian and Eurasian plates. They stress the importance of preparedness and robust infrastructure to mitigate the risks associated with such disasters.

Fiscal Nepal |

Tuesday January 7, 2025, 11:57:12 AM |