7.1 Magnitude Earthquake in China Claims 53 Lives: 62 Injured; Tremors Felt in India, Nepal, and Bhutan
A powerful earthquake struck China’s Tibet region on Tuesday morning, resulting in the tragic loss of 53 lives and leaving 62 people injured. According to China’s official news agency Xinhua, the earthquake occurred at 9:05 AM local time (6:30 AM IST) with its epicenter located in Shijang, Tibet, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The tremors were strong enough to be felt in India, with Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal experiencing noticeable shocks.
India’s National Center for Seismology reported that the earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter scale. Its impact was also observed in Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand. As of now, there have been no reports of casualties or damage in India due to the earthquake.
Tremors Shake the Earth, Buildings Collapse
The earthquake in Tibet caused several buildings to collapse, leaving a trail of destruction. According to government media, tremors were also felt in neighboring Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, as well as parts of India. Videos released by China’s state broadcaster showed houses reduced to rubble, broken walls, and scattered debris in the aftermath of the quake.
As per the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), the earthquake struck at 9:05 AM local time (01:05 GMT) near Dingri County, close to the Nepal border, with a magnitude of 6.8. Meanwhile, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 7.1.
Impact Felt Up to 400 km Away
Media reports suggest that local authorities are assessing the damage caused by the earthquake and are in contact with residents in the affected areas. The tremors were so powerful that their impact was felt as far as 400 kilometers away in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu.
Tremors Felt in Bihar and West Bengal
The earthquake in Tibet extended its impact to India, shaking parts of Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. Terrified residents rushed out of their homes and buildings as the ground trembled. In Bihar, many people were seen gathering outside their houses and apartments. Fortunately, no reports of casualties or damage have emerged from these regions so far.
7.2 Magnitude Earthquake Struck Xinjiang, China, in January 2024
On January 22, 2024, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale hit the China-Kyrgyzstan border at 11:39 PM. The epicenter of the quake in southern Xinjiang was located 22 kilometers below the surface. The earthquake caused widespread destruction, collapsing several buildings and leaving many people injured.
Following the quake, 40 aftershocks were recorded, intensifying the devastation. The regions most affected were Urumqi, Korla, Kashgar, and Yining.
Kathmandu Shifted 10 Feet Due to 2015 Earthquake
In 2015, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck Nepal, causing widespread destruction. Nearly 9,000 people lost their lives during this disaster, which also altered the country’s geography. According to James Jackson, a tectonics expert from Cambridge University, the land beneath Kathmandu shifted approximately three meters, or about 10 feet, southward after the earthquake.
However, there were no indications of changes to the geography of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. The earthquake’s energy was equivalent to that of 20 large nuclear bombs, highlighting its immense destructive power.
Experts Warn of Active Fault Line in Aravalli Range, Predict Frequent Earthquakes
According to Dr. Rajendra Singh Rathore, a geography expert, there is an active fault line on the eastern side of the Aravalli mountain range. This fault line extends from the eastern edge of Rajasthan to Dharamshala, passing through areas like Jaipur, Ajmer, and Bharatpur.
Experts believe that movements in the cracks within the Aravalli hills have begun, increasing the likelihood of earthquakes in Jaipur and nearby regions. Jaipur falls under Zone-2, while western Rajasthan is classified under Zone-3, both of which are prone to mild earthquake tremors.
Deadliest Earthquake in China Claimed 830,000 Lives 467 Years Ago
The most lethal earthquake in China’s history occurred in 1556, causing the deaths of approximately 830,000 people. It remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.
In terms of magnitude, the most powerful earthquake occurred on May 22, 1960, in Chile, registering a staggering 9.5 on the Richter scale. This earthquake triggered devastating tsunamis that wreaked havoc across multiple countries, including southern Chile, the Hawaiian Islands, Japan, the Philippines, eastern New Zealand, and southeastern Australia. The disaster claimed 1,655 lives and injured over 3,000 people.
