On Tuesday morning, a powerful earthquake struck a remote region of Tibet, resulting in the deaths of at least 120 people and leaving hundreds more injured. The 7.1-magnitude quake sent shockwaves across the Himalayas, affecting parts of Nepal, Bhutan, and northern India. The tremors rattled villages, holy cities, and even Mount Everest’s base camp, causing widespread destruction.

Strong Tremors Felt Across the Himalayas

The earthquake struck at 9:05 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located in Tingri county, near the border with Nepal. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and was followed by numerous aftershocks, including 19 that measured 3.0 or higher. The tremors were felt as far as Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, where locals reported shaking buildings and power lines.

“People came running out of their houses. You could see the wires from poles shaken loose,” said Bishal Nath Upreti from the Nepal Centre for Disaster Management.

Widespread Damage in Remote Tibetan Villages

Though sparsely populated, the area close to the epicenter is home to several small villages, many of which are isolated in the rugged Himalayan valleys. Approximately 6,900 people live in the 27 villages within a 20-km (12-mile) radius of the epicenter. More than 3,600 houses were damaged, and at least 188 people were injured.

The city of Shigatse, about 180 km (111 miles) from the epicenter, was also affected by the quake. While there were no immediate reports of widespread destruction, surveillance footage showed goods falling from shelves inside a supermarket, and residents rushed out of buildings as the tremors intensified.

Rescue Operations Underway

In the aftermath of the quake, Chinese authorities launched rescue efforts, dispatching teams of medical personnel and military soldiers to the affected areas. Over 200 soldiers were deployed to Tingri county, with an additional 1,500 on standby. The Chinese air force assisted in airlifting supplies and personnel, while rescue workers from local police forces dug through rubble in search of survivors.

A video shared by the Chinese National Immigration Administration showed immigration officers working tirelessly to clear debris with their hands in search of trapped victims. In some villages, residents huddled together for warmth as winter temperatures dropped below freezing, and emergency supplies, including tents and warm clothing, were distributed to those in need.

Tibetan Holy City and Mount Everest Base Camp Impacted

The tremors also reached Shigatse, a Tibetan holy city that serves as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, second only to the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhism. While there were no immediate reports of significant damage in Shigatse, the earthquake was felt strongly by locals and visitors alike.

Anna Guo, a college student visiting the area, was preparing to leave for Mount Everest when the earthquake hit. “We’ve never felt an earthquake that strong before,” she said, describing the windows shaking violently as the ground trembled beneath them.

The local Mount Everest base camp was temporarily shut down after the quake. Although the winter season is not typically peak climbing time, there were still tourists in the area. Nearly 500 visitors had been at the camp the day before, with around 30 present when the earthquake struck. Thankfully, all tourists were safely evacuated.

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Nepal Braces for Aftershocks

In Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, near the border with Tibet, the quake stirred memories of the catastrophic 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the region in 2015, killing nearly 9,000 people. “The tremors were very strong. Everyone was panicked,” said Rupesh Vishwakarmi, a district official in Nepal. At a yak farm near the Everest base camp, employees reported feeling the ground shake and described the situation as terrifying.

Nepalese authorities reported that at least 13 people were injured, and multiple houses were damaged in the Solukhumbu district.

Chinese Leader Calls for Immediate Action

Following the devastating earthquake, Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a statement urging officials to make all-out efforts to locate survivors, minimize casualties, and ensure the safety and comfort of those affected by the disaster. The region’s harsh winter conditions posed a significant challenge for both rescue teams and residents in need of assistance.

In Tibet, one of China’s most politically sensitive regions, access is highly restricted, with the Chinese government maintaining tight control over foreign visitors and media coverage. Beijing has continued its firm hold on the region since the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959.

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Global Reactions and Continued Relief Efforts

As rescue teams continue to search for survivors, the international community has expressed condolences for the victims of the earthquake. The Dalai Lama, currently in self-imposed exile in India, offered his prayers for the victims, stating, “I offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives and extend my wishes for a swift recovery to all who have been injured.”

With over 120 confirmed deaths and hundreds more injured, the road to recovery for the affected areas will be long. However, rescue teams and emergency relief efforts are underway as authorities strive to provide assistance in one of the most remote and challenging regions of the world.