Dharamshala: The tragic earthquake that struck Tibet on 7 January 2025 has brought sorrow to many around the world. The impact has been devastating, particularly in the regions of Dingri County, Shigatsé City where number of fatalities and casualties continue to rise in hundreds.
Just after 9 am local time (01:00 GMT) on 7 January 2025, the earthquake was recorded as a 7.1 magnitude by the U.S. Geological Survey while the Chinese authorities recorded as magnitude 6.8. Its scale is extreme, with over 126 confirmed fatalities and hundreds of injuries by 9 January, according to reliable sources. Freezing weather conditions have not only exacerbated the suffering and complicated the rescue operations, but also have intensified the risk of an unknown number, still not accounted for, and trapped survivors succumbing to hypothermia and dehydration. Thus, the urgent need for effective humanitarian responses must take precedence.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s prayer gathering in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, in solidarity with the victims, served as a beacon of compassion and support. His Holiness’ message, advising to transform adversity into opportunities for spiritual growth, resonated deeply with the thousands who gathered in prayer at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s presence in the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery (South India) traditionally linked to Shigatsé, lent special significance to the prayer service.
The Central Tibetan Administration, based in Dharamshala, also held a prayer service at Tsuglagkhang temple, expressing solidarity and concern over the destruction caused by the earthquake. Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s comments regarding the ineffectiveness of China’s poverty alleviation policies, particularly in the context of damage to older infrastructure, added a critical voice to the discussion. His remarks underscore the serious question about the long-term impact of China’s development strategies in Tibet, particularly given the region’s seismic activity and traditional housing structures. Sikyong also highlighted concerns about the environmental risks posed by Chinese policies, including dam-building and mining, which are believed to contribute to increased seismic activity in the region.
Global expressions of solidarity have poured in, with international bodies like the United Nations and leaders, including those from the U.S., Taiwan, India, France, Canada, and the Netherlands, extending their condolences. The Parliamentary Tibet Support Groups in Japan and Estonia expressed sympathy for the Tibetan people affected by the earthquake and called on China for transparency in relief efforts and urged for international cooperation.
According to the 2020 population census, there are 60,000 residents in Dingri County, which is at an altitude of 4200 metres above sea level. The areas surrounding Dingri County such as Lhatse, Dramtso, Chulo, Tsogo, Sakya, Tingkye and Ngamring also suffered deaths, casualties and destruction. The mountainous region of Tibet that borders Nepal reportedly experienced several aftershocks past 10 a.m. local time (01:00 GMT) on 7 January. Tremors were felt in some places in Nepal and Bhutan.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, communities worldwide especially Tibetans across Tibet have come together to support the victims, providing not just prayers but also mobilising for humanitarian aid and assistance. This collective response speaks to the deep empathy and solidarity felt across borders, with Tibetans and their supporters worldwide working to provide comfort and help to those affected by this devastating natural disaster.
The ongoing aftershocks and the difficult terrain in the affected areas, along with the winter conditions, present significant challenges for both rescue efforts and long-term recovery. Given Tibet’s history of seismic activity and the scale of development occurring in the region, questions about environmental sustainability and the safety of lives and infrastructure in this vulnerable area remain critically important.
