Tibet earthquake: 20 earthquakes jolt region in 30 days

China's Xinhua News Agency reported that a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet today morning just after 9 AM local time, days after the region experienced several moderate intensity earthquakes. The US Geological Survey put the quake’s magnitude at 7.1.

At least 53 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 60 injured as 1000s of houses collapsed in the Dingri county in the region. Rescue operation is underway with first responders deployed at the site. 

Tremors were felt even in the neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bhutan and India. Videos being circulated on X show residents in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, running into open spaces once the earthquake hit. 

Data from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) revealed that multiple aftershocks of varying magnitudes followed. A magnitude 4.2 aftershock followed around half an hour later and later, another of a 4.7 magnitude.

The nearest city to the earthquake’s epicenter was Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, with a population of around 800,000. Tremors were even felt in Lhasa, the largest and capital city of Tibet.

In 2015, Nepal was hit by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that resulted in around 9,000 casualties and destroyed more than 500,00 homes. It became the country's worst earthquake in recorded history. 

The Tibetan plateau, including Nepal and parts of northern India are known to be prone to heavy earthquakes as the region sits right over where the tectonic Eurasian and Indian plates meet, often colliding with huge force.

The Himalayas, which include Tibet, are a hotbed for seismic activity. The modern Himalayan Orogen was formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, and several mega earthquakes over magnitude 8.0 have taken place along the orogen.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said all-out search and rescue efforts should be carried out to minimise casualties and properly resettle the affected people. No reports of any damage or loss to property were received from India.

This information is not DNA's opinion but obtained from media reports