Dharamshala — A devastating 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri and neighboring Shigatse counties in Tibet on Tuesday morning, killing 126 Tibetans, and injuring 188 and destroying 3609 homes. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the leaders of the CTA, Tibetans inside the Tibet and in exile, the French President and the Taiwanese President express their solidarity and extend their prayers to the victims of the disaster.
On January 7, 2024, at around 9:05 a.m. local time, a devastating magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Dingri County (Ch: Tingri), as residents woke up to temperatures of -13°C. This sudden catastrophe has left the population distraught and in disarray. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, along with water and electricity networks.
This earthquake also affects Dingri County and Shigatse's neighboring counties, such as Tingkye County, Lhatse County, Sakya County and Ngamring County.
According to US Geological Survey data, the 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri and neighboring Shigatse counties in Tibet. But the Chinese government claimed it was only a magnitude 6.8 earthquake. The Chinese government is still trying to hide the truth, and the number of Tibetans killed and injured could also be inaccurate.
After hearing sad news from Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expresses deep sadness over the Earthquake in Tibet, His Holiness wrote on January 7, 2024, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake that struck Dingri in Tibet and the surrounding regions this morning. It has caused the tragic loss of many lives, numerous injuries, and extensive destruction to homes and property.”
“I offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives and extend my wishes for a swift recovery to all who have been injured,” he concluded.
Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE)also issued condolence statement regarding the devasting earthquake in Tibet, on January 7, 2025.
The statement wrote, “an earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck several regions of Tibet, including the Dingri region, on the morning of 7 January 2025. Reports indicate that over a hundred people have lost their lives or been injured, with extensive damage to homes. The harsh winter conditions exacerbate the suffering, leaving many without adequate food, clothing, and shelter. This tragedy is deeply saddening and of great concern.”
“His Holiness the Dalai Lama, along with spiritual leaders from all Buddhist traditions, is offering prayers for the souls of those who have passed. The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile joins in these prayers, seeking the blessings of Avalokiteshvara for the deceased. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and pray for the swift recovery of the injured, hoping they will receive timely and appropriate medical care,” they said.
“We also call upon both public and private sectors to provide urgent assistance to those facing housing and other critical needs in the aftermath of this devastating disaster,” TPiE said.
Addressing the earthquake, Sikyong Penpa Tsering remarked, “Tibet is prone to earthquakes due to its location on the collision boundary between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This region, part of the Himalayan seismic belt, experiences significant geological activity as the Indian plate pushes northward under the Eurasian plate, resulting in seismic events.”
Highlighting the importance of ecological preservation, Sikyong emphasised, “The Chinese government must pay greater attention to Tibet’s fragile environment. This is not only about protecting Tibet’s ecology but also about safeguarding the well-being of its neighbouring countries like India and the rest of Asia. Furthermore, China’s plan to construct the world’s largest dam poses a significant threat to Tibet’s environment and its neighbouring regions.” Sikyong concluded by urging the Chinese government to prioritise the future and take proactive measures to preserve Tibet’s unique environment, which has far-reaching implications for the region and the world.”
The CTA, alongside Tibetans in and around Dharamshala, will organise a prayer service on January 8, 2025, at the Tsuglagkhang Main Temple.
Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu ji posted on X: "I am deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake along the Tibet-Nepal border. The loss of lives and destruction is heartbreaking. My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. May the departed souls rest in peace. We pray for the safety of all affected and wish the injured a swift recovery."
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te posted on X: "We stand with the people of Tibet and neighboring regions affected by the devastating earthquake. Our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and we hope rescue and aid efforts quickly reach all those in need."
French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X: "France extends its condolences to those who lost loved ones in the devastating earthquake in Tibet, and stands ready to support affected communities across the Himalayan region."
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on official X account: "We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the devastating earthquake in Tibet. Our condolences to all who lost loved ones, and we commend the courage of rescue workers during this crisis."
