Massive earthquake hits Tibet, killing 53; injuring 62
Tingri County in Tibet shook with a huge earthquake on Tuesday morning. At least 53 lost their lives during the disaster. 62 injured, reported China’s state news agency Xinhua. On the border of Tibet and Nepal, “the damage is extensive” where the earthquake has struck, reported China’s state television CCTV said on Tuesday.
Over 1,000 houses had crumbled according to CCTV reports.
Earthquake Overview
China’s CENC estimated the earthquake at 6.8, which was a figure rated by the United States Geological Survey although it stood at the scale of 7.1. The nature of this type of earthquake was also said to be shallow. On the depth part, it has been reported as 10-kilometer depths. It was said to occur around local time with 9:05 AM and several aftershocks have occurred afterward.
The epicenter was about 75 km northeast of Mount Everest and not far from Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. Its population is around 640,000 people. The place is highly active due to seismic activity since it is a colliding sector of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates where the Himalayas rise.
Local Consequences
It also resulted in massive destruction and sometimes even sent tremors to the bordering areas of Nepal, Bhutan, and northern India. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said that tremors were felt in the seven hill districts along the border of Tibet. It is around 230 km away from the capital Kathmandu, which has also felt the quake as well as aftershocks.
Rescue and Relief Operations
According to the Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management, more than 1,500 fire and rescue personnel were sent to the region to search for survivors buried under the rubbles and aid the survivors.
The worst-hit area was Tingri County, where emergency services were working day and night.
It has badly affected the infrastructure, as mentioned by local officials; hundreds have lost their houses, and several buildings have crumbled due to this disaster. The relief operation is underway in the area, and temporary shelters, food, and medical help have been arranged for the affected ones.
Historical Background
There have been many histories of dreadful earthquakes in the Himalayan region. The year 2015 witnessed a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal, killing nearly 9,000 and destroying most of the country. According to the USGS reports, at least 10 earthquakes have been recorded in the past century with magnitudes above 6; thus, there are seismic risks in this region.
Seismic Activity in the Region
This is one of the most seismically active regions in the world, particularly because of this ongoing collision by the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Geological activities are not just frequent quakes but also alter the heights of some of the loftiest peaks in the world, such as in the case of Mount Everest.
Global Phenomenon
International attention has been drawn to the place, and following its developments, neighboring countries have been keeping track. Urgency on effective disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies is again called-for this time in seismically active regions.
Conclusion
Although the rescue actions are going on, relief is provided to the affected and injured at the scene, but it also reaches for evaluation for the total losses in this kind of general catastrophe that the earth quake has presented. One observes how delicate is the land territory of the Himalayas how perfectly there can be a set coordination worldwide during preparation stages disaster response.
Reference: Information copied from Xinhua, CCTV, US Geological Survey, and AFP.