A strong earthquake shook a mountainous region in western China near Nepal on Tuesday morning, resulting in a tragic loss of life. According to the official Xinhua News Agency, at least 32 people have been reported dead, and 38 others have been injured as a result of the disaster.
Details of the Earthquake
The US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1 and was centered in the Tibet region at a depth of about 6 miles. However, China recorded the magnitude as 6.8. The epicenter was located in an area where the India and Eurasia plates collided, causing significant uplifts in the Himalayan mountains.
Impact on the Region
The earthquake has had a profound impact on the region, with the average altitude in the area around the epicenter being about 13,800 feet. There were several communities located within 3 miles of the epicenter, which was approximately 240 miles from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and about 14 miles from Xigaze, the region's second-largest city.
In Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, residents were startled by the tremors and rushed out of their homes. However, information from the remote mountainous areas closer to the epicenter across the border is still scarce.
Historical Context
According to the USGS, there have been 10 earthquakes of at least magnitude 6 in the area where Tuesday's quake occurred over the past century, highlighting the seismic activity in the region.
Earthquake, Western China, Nepal, Tibet, Xinhua News Agency
