A significant 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Tibetan region near Mount Everest, resulting in at least 53 fatalities. The tremors were felt in Kathmandu, with the epicenter located 92 miles from Lobuche, Nepal. A lesser 4.5 magnitude tremor reportedly affected Everest as well. Chinese state media reported 38 injuries and over 1,000 homes damaged, raising concerns about potential victims trapped under rubble. Rescue teams, consisting of around 1,500 members, are searching for survivors in the impacted areas, which are largely vulnerable to seismic activity. Nepal’s susceptibility to earthquakes is due to its position on active tectonic fault lines.
- This story is developing, more to come
A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Tibetan region near Mount Everest, killing at least 53 people.
Before dawn on Tuesday, tremors shook Nepal’s capital Kathmandu.
The epicenter of the quake was located 92 miles from Lobuche, Nepal, in a mountainous region along China’s border with Tibet, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, itself experienced a 4.5 magnitude tremor, according to USGC data.
It is unclear whether there were any climbers on Everest when the earthquake occurred, and it could be a catastrophe.
According to Chinese state media, 38 people were injured and more than 1,000 homes were damaged in one prefecture alone, and there are fears that more victims may be buried under the rubble.
Villages and homes in hard-to-reach areas of the Himalayas near the epicenter are also at risk of being destroyed.
A rescue team of about 1,500 people was dispatched and began searching for survivors and clearing the wreckage.
Villagers gather to assess damage after earthquake shakes Nepal and Tibet
Villagers gather to assess damage after earthquakes hit Nepal and Tibet
Rescue workers working in the earthquake-affected area of Dingli Changsu Town, Shigaze County, southwest China.
Regarding the affected areas, the USGC said: “Overall, residents in the area live in structures that are highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, although some resistant structures also exist.” Ta.
“The main vulnerable building types are adobe and mud unreinforced brick.”
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015 triggered a massive avalanche from nearby mountain Pumori, sending snow into Everest’s base camp and killing at least 22 people.
At least 61 people were injured. It remains the deadliest disaster on the mountain.
Nepal is particularly prone to earthquakes as it lies in the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
Due to its location on active faults, the country and surrounding areas experience frequent shallow earthquakes.
More to come.
