Rescue teams are working tirelessly in Tibet to find survivors of a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck on Tuesday. More than 400 people trapped under rubble have been rescued, but with sub-zero temperatures gripping the region, the urgency to locate the missing has never been greater.
A Deadly Quake in the Heart of the Himalayas
The earthquake, one of the strongest in recent years, struck Tingri, Tibet, just 80 km (50 miles) north of Mount Everest. It sent tremors across Nepal, Bhutan, and India, shaking buildings and causing panic in these neighboring countries. Official reports confirm at least 126 dead and 188 injured on the Tibetan side alone.
Rescuers face extreme challenges in reaching affected areas, with winter temperatures plummeting to -18°C (0°F) at night. Experts warn that those trapped under debris or stranded outdoors could suffer hypothermia, which could be fatal within five to ten hours even if they are uninjured.
Massive Destruction Leaves Thousands Homeless
Initial assessments reveal that more than 3,600 homes were destroyed in the Shigatse region, affecting over 46,500 people. Many survivors are now housed in emergency shelters—rows of blue and green tents set up by soldiers and aid workers. Despite efforts to provide warmth and relief, thousands remain vulnerable in the bitter cold.
Local authorities have mobilized over 14,000 rescue personnel, with additional aid coming from the Chinese government. Meanwhile, the Dalai Lama, exiled in India, has expressed his condolences to the victims. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te have also extended their sympathies.
A Lone Climber’s Harrowing Experience
German climber Jost Kobusch was near Everest Base Camp on the Nepalese side when the earthquake struck. He described how his tent shook violently and how avalanches thundered down the slopes. Fortunately, he was unharmed and is now descending towards safety in Kathmandu.
China’s state media has reported no avalanches on Everest’s Tibetan side, but the overall damage near the epicenter is devastating. Roads have cracked, and landslides have blocked crucial rescue routes, further delaying aid efforts.
Aftershocks Continue—More Danger Ahead?
Since the earthquake, the region has been rattled by 646 aftershocks, some as strong as 4.4 magnitude. Scientists warn that another magnitude 5 to 6 quake could hit the same area soon, adding to fears that the worst may not be over yet.
Tibet sits on the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone regions. This latest disaster is a grim reminder of past tragedies, including China’s deadly 2008 Sichuan earthquake, which killed 70,000 people, and the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, which claimed over 240,000 lives.
What Happens Next?
Authorities are focused on finding the missing, providing medical aid, and rebuilding infrastructure. With thousands left homeless, relief efforts are now shifting toward long-term recovery.
