A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet on January 7, 2025, leaving 126 dead and over 188 injured. The epicenter was located in Tingri, just 80 kilometers north of Mount Everest, shaking neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and India. Rescue teams have worked tirelessly to save more than 400 people trapped beneath rubble in sub-zero temperatures. Over 30,000 residents have been relocated to safer areas.
The quake destroyed over 3,600 homes in the Shigatse region, displacing thousands amidst temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F). Survivors faced a night of extreme cold, battling hypothermia and dehydration. Emergency teams, supported by 500 responders and 106 ambulances, have delivered tents, food, and supplies to affected areas.
Despite reopening damaged roads, aftershocks—over 500 so far—continue to pose risks. In this seismically active region, where the Indian and Eurasian plates collide, the devastation echoes past tragedies like the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.
As rescue efforts enter a critical phase, the resilience of the Tibetan people shines through. The pain of loss is palpable, yet so is the strength to rebuild. For a region accustomed to hardship, hope emerges from the unity of its people and the aid pouring in.
