6.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Dingri County, Tibet; Rescue Operations Underway Amid Aftershock Warnings

On January 7, 2025 (Tuesday) at 9:05 AM, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County, Shigatse City, Tibet, with a focal depth of 10 kilometers. The earthquake caused numerous buildings to collapse and resulted in a significant number of casualties. Rescue operations are currently ongoing.

Experts from the China Earthquake Networks Center indicated that the epicentral area and nearby regions may still experience noticeable aftershocks in the coming days.

According to CCTV, experts from the China Earthquake Networks Center conducted a research analysis of the earthquake. The epicenter of the 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Dingri is located within the Lhasa block of the Tibetan Plateau. The nearest fault to the earthquake is the Dengmocuo Fault, approximately 11 kilometers away, and the focal mechanism is characterized by extensional rupture.

The southern region of the Tibetan Plateau is subjected to both north-south compression and east-west extension stresses, leading to the development of two typical fault systems: near north-south and near east-west. Under such intense crustal deformation, the Lhasa block and its surrounding fault zones are particularly active. Since 1950, the Lhasa block has experienced 21 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher, with the largest being the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Mainling, Tibet, in 2017. Therefore, this earthquake represents a release of energy within the Lhasa block.

Generally, after a significant earthquake, aftershocks are observed in the epicentral area and adjacent regions. These aftershocks gradually decrease in intensity and frequency over time, although there may be fluctuations in activity. Thus, the epicentral area and nearby regions may still experience noticeable earthquakes in the coming days.