Death Toll Rises to 126 as Six Earthquakes Rock Tibet, Tremors Felt Across Nepal and North India

January 7, 2025 – Beijing/Delhi/Kathmandu: The death toll from a series of powerful earthquakes that struck Tibet has risen to 126, with at least 188 others reported injured. Six earthquakes, including a devastating 7.1-magnitude tremor, hit the region on Tuesday morning, causing widespread destruction.
The tremors were also felt across neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and several parts of North India, including Delhi-NCR and Patna. The strongest earthquake, registering at 7.1 magnitude, struck near Tibet’s Tingri County, located close to the Nepal-Tibet border, at around 6:35 am local time.
The seismic activity, centered in this region along the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, caused significant damage, with several buildings collapsing and many structures severely damaged.
Widespread Destruction and Casualties
Initial reports from Tibet indicated fewer casualties, but as search and rescue operations continued, the death toll sharply increased. The destruction was particularly severe in Tingri County, where buildings near the epicenter collapsed.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that several areas surrounding the epicenter experienced strong tremors, with numerous structures reduced to rubble. As of Wednesday, over 400 people have been rescued from under the rubble, while more than 30,000 residents have been relocated.
However, the challenging terrain and sub-zero temperatures have complicated rescue efforts. Survivors trapped in the debris endured frigid conditions overnight, with temperatures plunging to as low as minus 18°C (0°F), putting them at risk of hypothermia and dehydration.
Tremors Felt Across Borders
The earthquake sent shockwaves across neighboring regions. In Nepal, residents of the capital Kathmandu rushed out of their homes in panic as tremors rattled buildings. The country's disaster management authority reported that seven districts near the Tibetan border were affected. In India, the tremors were felt across Delhi-NCR, as well as in Bihar, West Bengal, and the northeastern states, including Assam.
Indian officials expressed their condolences for the loss of life in Tibet. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal conveyed the country's sympathy, saying, “The Government and people of India express their heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of life and property caused by the earthquake in Tibet. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
Rescue Operations and Aftershocks
Chinese authorities have deployed over 500 rescue workers and 106 ambulances to assist in the ongoing relief efforts. Emergency supplies, including tents, food rations, and generators, have been sent to the affected regions. More than 3,600 homes were reported destroyed in Tibet’s Shigatse region, which has a population of approximately 800,000.
Roadways have been cleared to facilitate access for rescue teams. The region remains highly seismically active. Since Tuesday’s earthquake, more than 500 aftershocks have been recorded, with magnitudes reaching up to 4.4. The frequent seismic activity is a result of the tectonic collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates, which is also responsible for the formation of the Himalayan mountain range and the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
Tibet's Vulnerability to Seismic Activity
Tingri County and the surrounding areas are part of a seismically active zone due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This region has experienced a series of significant earthquakes in recent years, with 29 quakes of magnitude 3 or higher recorded in the past five years. However, none have matched the intensity of the 7.1-magnitude tremor that struck on Tuesday.
The incident highlights the region’s vulnerability to powerful earthquakes, which continue to pose a significant risk to both human life and infrastructure. As rescue operations continue, authorities are focused on locating survivors, providing medical aid, and ensuring that relief supplies reach those most in need.
The earthquake has left a trail of devastation in Tibet, with the full extent of the damage still being assessed as teams work around the clock to provide aid and support to the affected communities.