A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck south-central Xizang, China, at approximately 09:05 CST on January 7, 2025, with the epicenter located about 93 km (58 miles) northeast of Lobuche, Nepal, at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles) 1 3. The quake was felt strongly in India and Nepal, with reports of severe to strong shaking in the affected regions and moderate to light shaking in eastern Nepal, far western Bhutan, and far northeastern India 1 3.
Initial Assessments and Emergency Response
There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties, but significant damage is likely, especially near the epicenter. Authorities have activated an emergency response, with officials temporarily shutting down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage 1. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter, and minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service is expected to resume quickly if no damage is found 1.
Humanitarian Challenges and Relief Efforts
The earthquake poses significant humanitarian challenges, particularly in remote areas where comprehensive damage assessments may take several hours to complete. Emergency supplies, including cotton-padded tents and blankets, are in place, and local authorities have assured residents of sufficient relief supplies 4. In Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, which experienced recent quakes of magnitude 4.8 and 4.6, emergency shelters can accommodate over 1.5 million people, and additional supplies are being kept in inventory to meet daily needs for five days 2 4.
Aftershocks and Future Risks
Further strong-to-moderate aftershocks are likely over the coming days, prompting officials to advise residents to plan accordingly and consider vacating multistory buildings until authorities confirm their structural integrity 1. Aftershocks may also cause brief disruptions to air and road travel, necessitating additional time for travel in hilly areas due to potential landslides 1.
Regional Impact and Coordination
The earthquake's impact is being closely monitored by regional authorities, with coordination efforts underway to ensure effective relief and rescue operations. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has confirmed the epicenter's location, and early reports indicate that the quake was widely felt across the region, with numerous reports of strong shaking shared on social media 3.