The damage assessment from the earthquake that shook Nepal significantly is ongoing, according to authorities.
At 6:50 AM today, a 7-magnitude earthquake struck the Nepal-China border. According to the National Seismological Center, the epicenter of the quake was in Dinggye County, China.
Nepali geologists noted that the epicenter was located 93 kilometers north of Lobuche Himal and 28 kilometers from Shigatse in Tibet.
The nearby districts in Nepal affected by the quake include Solukhumbu, Sankhuwasabha, Dolakha, and Taplejung. Officials from these districts reported feeling strong tremors and are working to assess any potential damage. Local governments and police units have so far indicated no reports of damage.
Taplejung Chief District Officer (CDO) Netra Prasad Sharma stated that they are contacting all local governments and police units to gather information on any damages. “Based on the information received so far, there has been no human or physical damage in Taplejung,” he said, adding that verification is ongoing, including in areas like Ghunsa.
In Kathmandu, the tremor was strongly felt, prompting residents to rush out of their homes to open spaces early in the morning.
Sankhuwasabha District Police Chief Daksha Kumar Basnet also confirmed that no damage reports had been received. “While there are areas without communication access, no damage has been reported in places where contact has been established,” he said.
Similarly, Dolakha Police Spokesperson Dataram Adhikari stated that no damage information had been received. He mentioned that areas like Tsho Rolpa glacial lake and Lamabagar are considered highly vulnerable but have not reported any damage yet. “Tsho Rolpa glacial lake bursting or landslides in Lamabagar are significant risks, but as of now, there is no information of damage in areas under police jurisdiction,” Adhikari said.
The glacial lakes in the Nepal-China border region are considered high-risk, and experts warn that their explosion could cause severe damage to downstream areas. Police Spokesperson Adhikari mentioned that officers have been instructed to remain alert and gather further information from these high-risk zones.
Solukhumbu Police Spokesperson Laxman Giri also stated that no damage reports had been received so far. “The assessment is ongoing, but no reports of damage have been received yet,” he said.
The earthquake strongly shook Kathmandu as well, where residents ran out of their homes to open spaces early in the morning. However, no damage reports have been received from Kathmandu, according to Nepal Police’s control room staff.
