A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Nepal-Tibet border region on Tuesday morning, killing at least 95 people and injuring 130, according to media reports.
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed that the earthquake hit at 6:35 a.m. (IST), with its epicentre at latitude 28.86°N and longitude 87.51°E, at a depth of 10 km. The quake originated in Xizang (Tibet Autonomous Region), near Nepal’s border.
Xinhua News Agency reported that most of the fatalities occurred in Xizang, with extensive injuries and structural damage recorded in the area. In Tonglai Village, Changsuo Township of Dingri in Xigaze (Shigatse), the quake caused several houses to collapse.
The tremors shook northern India, affecting regions like Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Delhi-NCR. Residents rushed out of their homes in panic, though no casualties or property damage have been reported in India so far.
Two aftershocks followed the main earthquake. A 4.7-magnitude tremor struck at 7:02 a.m. (IST) with its epicentre at latitude 28.60°N and longitude 87.68°E, at a depth of 10 km. Five minutes later, a 4.9-magnitude quake occurred at latitude 28.68°N and longitude 87.54°E, at a depth of 30 km.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) located the earthquake 93 km northeast of Lobuche, near the Nepal-Tibet border. Lobuche, near the Khumbu Glacier, lies 150 km east of Kathmandu and 8.5 km southwest of Everest Base Camp.
Nepal frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location in a seismically active zone where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. This tectonic activity forms the Himalayan region and often leads to significant seismic events.
Authorities in Nepal and the affected Indian regions remain alert and continue monitoring the situation. The quake has reignited concerns in an area with a history of devastating seismic activity.
Seismic Activity Near Nepal-Tibet Border
The epicentre of the main quake was located at latitude 28.86°N and longitude 87.51°E, according to the NCS. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) pinpointed the earthquake 93 kilometres northeast of Lobuche, near the Nepal-Tibet border. Lobuche lies near the Khumbu Glacier and close to Everest Base Camp.
Nepal, situated at the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, frequently experiences seismic activity. This earthquake has renewed concerns in the Himalayan region, which has witnessed devastating quakes in the past.
Officials in Nepal and India are closely monitoring the situation. While no immediate damage has been reported, the earthquake serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic events. Residents are advised to remain cautious and follow safety protocols.