Did Today’s Earthquake Cause Damage in Nepal? Here’s What We Know So Far

Nepalese geologists reported that the earthquake's epicenter lies 93 kilometers north of Lobuche Himal and 28 kilometers from Shigatse in Tibet.
January 7, 2025
Earthquake Jolts Nepal and Tibet

Authorities in Nepal are currently collecting information to determine whether the powerful earthquake that struck the country has caused any damage.

The earthquake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, occurred at 6:50 AM today near the Nepal-China border. According to the National Seismological Center, the epicenter was located in Dinggye County, China.

Nepalese geologists reported that the earthquake’s epicenter lies 93 kilometers north of Lobuche Himal and 28 kilometers from Shigatse in Tibet. The tremors were felt strongly in districts close to the epicenter, including Solukhumbu, Sankhuwasabha, Dolakha, and Taplejung.

Police officials in these districts confirmed that they felt the strong quake and are working to gather details about potential damage. However, no reports of damage have been received so far, according to officials stationed in affected areas.

Sankhuwasabha Police Chief Daksha Kumar Basnet stated that no damage has been reported in areas where communication is available. “There are places in the district without communication access, so we don’t have information from those areas yet. However, in areas we can reach, no damage has been reported,” DSP Basnet said.

Similarly, Dolakha Police spokesperson Dataram Adhikari also confirmed that no reports of damage have been received. He mentioned that Chhorolpa Glacier Lake and the Lamabagar region, considered high-risk areas, have not shown signs of damage so far. “There is a risk of the Chhorolpa Glacier Lake bursting and dry landslides occurring in Lamabagar. But in areas where our forces are stationed, no damage has been observed yet,” Adhikari explained.

Glacial lakes in the Nepal-China border region are considered particularly vulnerable. Experts warn that if these lakes burst, it could lead to significant damage in downstream areas. To address this risk, local police have been instructed to stay vigilant and gather more information about these areas, Adhikari added.

In Solukhumbu, Police spokesperson Laxman Giri also reported no damage. “We are continuing to gather information, but no reports of damage have come in yet,” Giri said.

Efforts are ongoing to assess the situation and ensure the safety of communities in the affected regions.

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