Official reports from Chinese state media or international news agencies

6.8-Magnitude Quake in Tibet Near Everest Kills 126, Injures 188

Jan 7, 2025, 04:30 PM

A powerful earthquake struck China's remote Tibet region on Tuesday morning, killing at least 126 people and injuring 188 others, according to state media reports. The 6.8-magnitude quake hit Dingri County in Shigatse, near Mount Everest, at 9:05 a.m. local time, causing the collapse of over 3,600 houses and damaging thousands more. More than 30,000 residents have been relocated. The U.S. Geological Survey measured the quake at magnitude 7.1 with a depth of 10 kilometers. Tremors were felt in neighboring countries, including Nepal's capital Kathmandu, as well as India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, prompting people to flee buildings into the streets. Rescue efforts are underway, with authorities deploying teams to search for survivors amid freezing temperatures that could drop as low as minus 16 degrees Celsius. The region has experienced numerous aftershocks following the initial quake.