Over 100 Killed After Powerful Earthquake Strikes China

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Above: People gather in an open area following earthquake tremors in Kathmandu in the early hours of Jan. 7, 2025. Image copyright: Sunil Sharma/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Facts

  • An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 struck southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Tuesday at 9:05 am local time, killing over 100. The US Geological Society reported the tremor as magnitude 7.1.

  • Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the epicenter was located at a depth of 10 kilometers (nearly 6 miles) and affected approximately 6.9K people living in 27 villages within a 20-kilometer radius (about 12 miles) of the impact zone.

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The Spin

Pro-China narrative

The rapid deployment of rescue teams and emergency resources demonstrates China's efficient disaster response capabilities. Despite challenging high-altitude conditions and freezing temperatures, authorities have worked tirelessly to save lives. The government's swift response shows a strong commitment to minimize casualties and protect affected communities.

XINHUA

Anti-China narrative

Tuesday's earthquake highlights the vulnerability of seismically active regions of Tibet and remote Himalayan communities, and the inadequate infrastructure in the county. The high death toll and extensive damage to buildings raise questions about construction standards and disaster preparedness in these areas.

Oneindia

Metaculus Prediction