New Delhi : A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Nepal-Tibet border on this morning (7 January 2025), resulting in at least 32 fatalities and 38 injuries, according to reports.
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the quake occurred at 6:35 AM (IST), with its epicentre located at latitude 28.86° N and longitude 87.51° E, at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was identified in Xizang (Tibet Autonomous Region), near the Nepal border.
As reported by the Xinhua news agency, the city of Xizang witnessed significant devastation, with 32 people losing their lives and 38 others sustaining injuries.
Numerous structural collapses were reported, particularly in Tonglai Village, situated in Changsuo Township of Dingri in the Xigaze region, also known as Shigatse.
The tremors were felt across various parts of North India, including Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, and the Delhi-NCR region, sparking panic in several areas.
Two aftershocks followed the main earthquake shortly thereafter. A 4.7-magnitude tremor occurred at 7:02 AM (IST), with its epicentre located at latitude 28.60° N and longitude 87.68° E, at a depth of 10 kilometres. Another earthquake, measuring 4.9 in magnitude, struck at 7:07 AM (IST) with its epicentre at latitude 28.68° N and longitude 87.54° E, at a depth of 30 kilometres.
In Bihar, the tremors caused panic as residents fled their homes. However, no reports of casualties or property damage have emerged from the state so far.
This region of Nepal, situated in a seismically active zone due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, is prone to frequent earthquakes.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) pinpointed the earthquake's location approximately 93 kilometres northeast of Lobuche, near the Nepal-Tibet border. Lobuche is situated close to the Khumbu Glacier, approximately 150 kilometres east of Kathmandu and just 8.5 kilometres southwest of Everest Base Camp.
As authorities in Nepal and the affected regions of India remain on high alert, the incident has once again highlighted the region's vulnerability to seismic events, underscoring the need for preparedness in the face of such natural disasters. – IANS
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
