At Least 126 Dead After Catastrophic Earthquake Near Tibet’s Holy City

A devastating earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck near Tibet’s holy city early Tuesday morning, leaving at least 126 dead and more than 188 injured, according to Chinese state media. The quake, centered in Dingri County, Shigatse City, Tibet, was felt across the region, causing widespread destruction.

The tremor struck just after 9 a.m. local time, with its epicenter at a depth of 10 kilometers, the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) reported. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), however, registered the earthquake at a magnitude of 7.1, pinpointing the epicenter in Xizang, Tibet’s local name.

“This area lies along the India-Eurasia plate boundary, a hotspot for seismic activity,” the USGS noted. Over the past century, the region has experienced at least 10 earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.0 or greater within 250 kilometers of the current quake.

Residents reported feeling the earth shake violently for nearly 30 seconds, sending many fleeing their homes. “It felt like the ground was tearing apart beneath us,” said Dawa Tsering, a shopkeeper in Shigatse. “When I ran outside, I saw walls collapsing and people screaming.”

Preliminary reports indicate over 3,600 homes were destroyed, leaving thousands homeless amid the freezing winter temperatures. Rescue teams have been dispatched to Dingri’s remote villages, where access remains a challenge due to damaged roads and landslides.

“The rescue operations are hindered by debris and narrow mountain paths,” said Liu Jian, a member of the Chinese Red Cross. “Our priority is to find survivors under the rubble and provide shelter for the displaced.”

As of 10 a.m., Chinese authorities recorded multiple aftershocks, with the largest measuring 4.4. These tremors have further complicated rescue efforts, raising fears of additional structural collapses.

Initially, the death toll stood at 53 with 60 injured. However, the numbers have climbed throughout the day, as reported by Xinhua News. Officials warn the figures could rise further as more areas are reached.

The Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, expressed his sorrow over the tragedy. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the destruction caused by the earthquake. My prayers are with the victims and their families,” he said in a statement from Dharamshala, India.

In an act of solidarity, neighboring countries, including India and Nepal, have offered to send aid and relief teams. “The people of Nepal stand with our Tibetan neighbors during this difficult time,” Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said.

Shigatse is home to the iconic Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most significant sites in Tibetan Buddhism. While the extent of damage to cultural landmarks remains unclear, early images reveal significant destruction in parts of the city.

The earthquake’s proximity to sacred sites has added a spiritual dimension to the tragedy. “This land holds profound cultural and religious significance,” said Tenzin Choedon, a scholar of Tibetan studies. “The loss goes beyond lives and homes—it touches the very identity of the region.”

As rescue efforts continue, authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant. Experts warn that aftershocks could persist for days, potentially causing further damage.

For now, the focus remains on survival and recovery. “We will rebuild,” said Karma Dorjee, a community leader in Dingri. “But the scars of this day will stay with us for generations.”