By Isha - Jan 07, 2025
A series of earthquakes hit the Tibetan region, with the strongest one measuring 7-7.1 magnitude near the Nepal-Tibet border. The quakes caused structural damage in villages, prompting emergency response efforts. No casualties reported, but fears persist as rescue operations continue. In a separate event, Kolkata experienced a 5.3 magnitude earthquake, while Gujarat faced a 4.2 magnitude tremor, highlighting the need for disaster preparedness in the region.
Nepal Earthquake - Preparing and Planning for the Next Disaster. via © Marcos Ezequiel Angeloni.
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A series of earthquakes struck the Tibetan region on the 7th of January 2025, causing widespread concern and prompting precautionary measures in neighboring countries, including India. The strongest quake was reported to have a magnitude of 7-7.1, with its epicenter located in Tibet's remote and mountainous areas. The tremors were felt as far away as several northern and eastern parts of India, which alarmed residents and authorities.
The earthquakes have caused significant disruptions in Tibet, a region prone to seismic activity due to its location near the tectonic boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates. Local authorities reported structural damage in various villages close to the epicenter, including the collapse of homes and public infrastructure. Emergency response teams have been deployed to the affected areas to assess the situation and provide relief. While no casualties were reported at the time of writing, rescue operations are ongoing, and officials fear that the toll may rise as remote areas become accessible.
Tibetan residents described the moments of the earthquake as terrifying. “Everything was shaking violently. We ran out of our homes and gathered in open spaces,” said a resident. According to the National Centre for Seismology, a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Xizang, near the Nepal-Tibet border, at 6:35 am on [insert date]. This intensity, considered strong, has the potential to cause severe damage. The tremor was followed by two significant aftershocks of 4.7 and 4.9 magnitude in the same area, escalating concerns in the region. Adding to the calamity, a separate earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, as reported by Chinese officials and news agency Reuters.
The Tibetan Plateau is one of the most seismically active regions in the world due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological process not only creates immense pressure along fault lines but also results in frequent earthquakes of varying magnitudes. Experts believe the latest series of quakes is a reminder of the tectonic activity in the region and underscores the need for robust disaster management strategies.
In another series of seismic events, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake jolted Kolkata, creating widespread panic as residents rushed out of buildings. Although no immediate damage or injuries were reported, the tremors served as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes. Meanwhile, in Gujarat, a 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck Mahesana at around 10:15 pm on Friday night. According to the Institute of Seismological Research in Gandhinagar, the epicenter of the quake was located 13 kilometers southwest of Patan. Both incidents have prompted heightened vigilance and underscored the need for disaster preparedness across India.