53 Dead as Strong Earthquake Strikes Tibet, Shakes Parts of India

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet near the Nepalese border early Tuesday morning, leaving 53 people dead, according to Chinese state media Xinhua, as reported by AFP. The earthquake's impact extended to parts of India, including Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam, prompting widespread concern.

The epicenter was identified in Tingri County, located in Shigatse city, approximately 400 kilometers southwest of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Tingri, a key tourism destination for Mount Everest visitors, experienced significant tremors at 6:35 a.m., as recorded by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). Shortly after the initial earthquake, two additional seismic events were recorded in the region. A 4.7-magnitude tremor occurred at 7:02 a.m. at a depth of 10 kilometers, followed by a 4.9-magnitude quake at 7:07 a.m., originating 30 kilometers below the surface.

Nepal, located in a tectonically active zone where the Indian and Eurasian plates converge, frequently experiences earthquakes. This geological activity has made the region particularly vulnerable to seismic events. In 2015, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, causing nearly 9,000 fatalities, over 22,000 injuries, and widespread destruction of infrastructure, including more than half a million homes.

Tuesday's earthquake adds to the region's history of seismic vulnerability, highlighting the ongoing risk for residents in Nepal and neighboring areas.

The earthquake's tremors were felt in several Indian states, including Bihar, where residents evacuated buildings in cities like Patna. Reports from the region indicate no immediate damage to property or casualties in India, but the tremors caused significant alarm. Social media was abuzz with mentions of the earthquake, with terms like "Earthquake in Bihar today" and "Bhukamp in Patna" trending.