Tibet was hit on Tuesday by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake, one of the most powerful tremors in recent years, which hit the northern foothills of the Himalayas, killing at least 95 people.
Tibet is a zone of seismic activity. It recorded more than 100 earthquakes with a magnitude of at least 3.0 last year. Earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater are rare, however, with only nine occurring since the start of the 20th century.
The epicenter was located in Tingri, a rural county near the boundary where the Indian tectonic plate collides with the Eurasian plate, creating long fault lines across the Tibetan plateau.
Below are some significant earthquakes that have occurred in Tibet in recent decades:
JUNE 1, 2024
Magnitude : 5,9
Epicenter: Nagqu, northern Tibet
The largest earthquake in Tibet in 2024, but no casualties or material losses have been reported due to the region’s isolation.
NOV. 18, 2017
Magnitude : 6,9
Epicenter: Mainling, Eastern Tibet
The largest earthquake in the Lhasa Block since 1950. The Lhasa Block, bounded by fault lines, forms southern Tibet. The Mainling earthquake triggered more than 300 aftershocks, affecting more than 12,000 people and damaging nearly 3,000 homes. Three people were injured.
6 OCT. 6, 2008
Magnitude : 6,6
Epicenter: Damxung, central Tibet
At least 10 people were killed and 34 injured. The epicenter was close to that of an earthquake that occurred in 1951.
NOV. 18, 1951
Magnitude : 8.0
Epicenter: Damxung, central Tibet
This is the second earthquake of magnitude 8.0 or greater since 1950. It ruptured the ground over a distance of 81 kilometers.
AUG. 15, 1950
Magnitude : 8,6
Epicenter: Medog, Eastern Tibet
One of the most powerful earthquakes recorded in the world during the 20th century. It destroyed thousands of homes, temples and mosques and killed more than 3,000 people in Tibet and more than 1,000 in Assam, India. In the most affected regions, mountains have moved and landscapes have been modified. Several peaks collapsed, blocking the Yarlung Zangbo River, and landslides plunged villages into the river.
