On Tuesday, a devastating 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet, killing at least 126 people and injuring nearly 200. As rescue operations continue, more than 500 aftershocks have been reported, complicating the recovery efforts in the region.

Rescue and Relief Efforts Intensify

Since the earthquake, rescuers have successfully freed over 400 people trapped under debris. Despite this, many remain unaccounted for as efforts to locate survivors continue. According to local authorities, approximately 3,600 houses have collapsed, displacing over 30,000 people. The Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched 1,850 rescuers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel to the affected areas, focusing on village-level operations to locate survivors.

In response to the extreme conditions, which include freezing temperatures and high altitudes, emergency aid is being distributed, including tents, quilts, and folding beds. Local authorities are also conducting damage assessments, with plans to visit each affected village to ensure all residents are accounted for and receive assistance.

Impact of Geology and Past Seismic Activity

The epicenter of the earthquake was located where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, a region known for frequent seismic activity. This area, which spans southwestern China, Nepal, and northern India, has a history of large earthquakes, with over 10 magnitude 6 or higher tremors recorded in the past century, according to the US Geological Survey. The collision of these tectonic plates is the primary cause of the region’s seismic instability.