Earthquake of magnitude 7 strikes China's Tibet

On Thursday, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet, reigniting concerns amidst ongoing recovery from devastating floods earlier this month. According to India's National Centre for Seismology, the quake hit at a depth of 173 kilometers and its epicenter was around 400 kilometers from Lhasa, the Tibetan capital. This latest earthquake follows a 5.0 magnitude tremor recorded on September 3, and a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in January 2025 which claimed over 120 lives.

Experts have warned that climate change, retreating glaciers, and extreme weather events could exacerbate natural disaster risks across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The earthquake has heightened attention on the region's vulnerability as communities continue to cope with the aftermath of recent disasters. The recent ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26 triggered catastrophic flash floods, sweeping away homes, roads, bridges, and hydropower projects, leaving thousands missing and causing widespread destruction.

Nepal has estimated a need for $5 billion for early recovery and rehabilitation. In Tibet, Chinese state media reported 43 deaths and over 500 people missing, with at least 1,455 fatalities in Nepal.