Tibet Earthquakes: A High-Risk Seismic Zone

Tibet: One of China’s Most Seismically Active Regions

Tibet is one of China’s most earthquake-prone regions, second only to Taiwan in seismic activity. The region experiences frequent and strong earthquakes due to its location on the collision boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Historical Seismic Activity

Since 1900, Tibet has recorded 642 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or above, including:

• 5.0–5.9 magnitude: 503 times
• 6.0–6.9 magnitude: 130 times
• 7.0–7.9 magnitude: 7 times
• 8.0–8.9 magnitude: 2 times

The strongest earthquake in Tibet’s history occurred on August 15, 1950, in Zayu County, measuring 8.6 on the Richter scale—making it the most powerful earthquake in 20th-century China.

Recent Seismic Events (2025)

• January 28, 2025, 13:05: A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck Amdo County, Nagqu City (35.23°N, 89.77°E) at a depth of 10 km.
• February 9, 2025, 15:36: A 3.1-magnitude earthquake hit Angren County, Shigatse City (29.05°N, 86.63°E) at a depth of 10 km.
• January 19, 2025: The Ministry of Natural Resources ended its geological disaster prevention response for Tibet.

Key Characteristics of Tibet’s Earthquakes

• High Magnitude: Strong seismic events occur frequently.
• Widespread Distribution: Earthquakes are not concentrated in one area but spread across Tibet.
• Tectonic Activity: The ongoing collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates contributes to the region’s seismic instability.

Tibet’s rugged terrain and sparse population reduce earthquake-related casualties compared to densely populated regions. However, the seismic risk remains high, making ongoing monitoring and disaster preparedness crucial.

Tibet Seismic Monitoring and Major Earthquakes

Tibet’s earthquake monitoring system began in 1956 with the establishment of the Lhasa Geophysical Observatory, which included seismic and geomagnetic monitoring.

• 1976: The Tibet Autonomous Region Seismological Office was established, with temporary seismic stations set up in Nyingchi, Zayu, Biru, and Yadong. Permanent stations were built in Chamdo, Nyingchi, Zayu, Shigatse, Nedong, and Linzhou.
• 1985: The Lhasa Geomagnetic Station received the International Centennial Observation Silver Medal for geophysical observations.
• 1987: The Tibet Seismological Bureau was founded, forming an initial seismic monitoring network centered in Lhasa, with 14 seismic monitoring instruments.
• 1991: A digital seismograph was installed at the Lhasa Seismic Station, improving monitoring capabilities.
• 1993: The China Earthquake Administration invested 900,000 RMB to upgrade and relocate key seismic stations in Lhasa, Nyingchi, Shigatse, Zayu, and the Lhasa Geomagnetic Station.
• 1995: The APNET network was launched, enhancing earthquake analysis capabilities in Tibet.
• 1987–1996: The Tibet Seismological Bureau successfully predicted 18 moderate to strong earthquakes.
• By 1997, Tibet had six key seismic and geomagnetic stations:
  • Lhasa Seismic Station
  • Lhasa Geomagnetic Station
  • Nyingchi Seismic Station
  • Zayu Seismic Station
  • Shigatse Seismic Station
  • Nedong Seismic Station

Notable Earthquakes in Tibet

Nagqu Earthquakes

Nagqu, located in northern Tibet, frequently experiences earthquakes.

• December 30, 2010: A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck Nyima County (30.8°N, 86.5°E) at a depth of 160 km.
• November 15, 2021: A 3.3-magnitude earthquake hit Amdo County (32.67°N, 90.42°E) at a depth of 25 km.
• January 22, 2025: A 3.8-magnitude earthquake occurred in Amdo County (35.71°N, 89.64°E) at a depth of 10 km.
• January 28, 2025: A 4.0-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Amdo County (35.23°N, 89.77°E) at 10 km depth.
• February 12, 2025: A 3.9-magnitude earthquake struck Shuanghu County (33.81°N, 89.15°E) at a depth of 10 km.

Damxung Earthquake (2008)

One of the most destructive earthquakes in Tibet’s recent history occurred in Damxung County, near Lhasa.

• Date: October 6, 2008
• Magnitude: 6.6
• Impact:
  • Over 1,000 aftershocks recorded.
  • Affected Lhasa, Shigatse, and Shannan, impacting over 60,000 people.
  • Central government response: Chinese leaders, including Hu Jintao, Wen Jiabao, and Hui Liangyu, issued directives for disaster relief.
  • Casualties:
    • 10 deaths
    • 54 injuries
  • Property Damage:
    • 989 houses collapsed
    • 38,700 houses cracked
    • 28 km of roads and 11 bridges damaged, with one bridge completely destroyed
  • Economic Losses: Under further assessment.

Tibet remains one of China’s most seismically active regions, necessitating continued investment in earthquake monitoring and disaster preparedness.

Damxung Earthquake (2010)

On November 30, 2010, at 16:00, Damxung County Governor Nyima reported that he was at the earthquake site. Despite strong tremors, no casualties or building collapses were reported. Some houses had minor cracks, but overall, the situation was stable. Reports from local villages confirmed no major damage or injuries.

Chamdo Earthquake (2013)

On August 12, 2013, at 5:23 AM, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck the border between Zogang County and Markam County in Chamdo.

• Epicenter: Renguo Township (30.0°N, 98.0°E)
• Depth: 10 km
• Casualties & Damage: No reports of casualties or major destruction.

Lhasa Earthquake (2013)

On December 9, 2013, at 1:15 AM, a 1.5-magnitude earthquake occurred in Lhasa.

• Epicenter: (29.6°N, 91.3°E)
• Depth: 10 km
• Impact: Many residents felt strong tremors and some were awakened from sleep.

Gyirong Earthquake (2014)

On August 3, 2014, at 1:57 PM, a 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck Gyirong County, Shigatse.

• Epicenter: (29.0°N, 85.5°E)
• Depth: 10 km
• Impact:
  • The county seat, 30-40 km from the epicenter, experienced strong tremors.
  • Before the 5.0-magnitude earthquake, two foreshocks occurred:
    • 3.4-magnitude at 1:02 PM (depth 6 km)
    • 3.7-magnitude at 1:46 PM (depth 9 km)

Gyirong County Overview

Located in southwestern Tibet, Gyirong County covers 9,009 km² and has a population of around 10,000.

These events highlight Tibet’s seismic activity, emphasizing the importance of continued earthquake monitoring and preparedness.

Dingri Earthquake (January 7, 2025)

On January 7, 2025, at 9:05 AM, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County, Shigatse City.

• Epicenter: (28.50°N, 87.45°E)
• Depth: 10 km
• Aftershocks: A total of 49 recorded aftershocks as of 12:00 PM, including:
  • 33 tremors below magnitude 3.0
  • 16 tremors of magnitude 3.0 or higher:
    • 3.0-3.9: 13 times
    • 4.0-4.9: 3 times
    • Strongest aftershock: 4.4 magnitude, 18 km from the epicenter

Government Response

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized rescue efforts, instructing authorities to:

• Prioritize search and rescue
• Provide medical assistance
• Prevent secondary disasters
• Secure basic necessities for affected residents
• Restore damaged infrastructure

On January 19, 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources ended its geological disaster response but advised experts to continue monitoring risks and guiding local prevention efforts.

Subsequent Earthquakes in Dingri

• January 24, 2025, 1:59 PM – 3.5-magnitude, depth 14 km (28.78°N, 87.48°E)
• January 27, 2025, 5:33 PM – 4.1-magnitude, depth 10 km (28.55°N, 87.42°E)
• February 2, 2025, 3:17 PM – 3.2-magnitude, depth 10 km (28.43°N, 87.52°E)

Angren Earthquake (February 9, 2025)

On February 9, 2025, at 3:36 PM, a 3.1-magnitude earthquake struck Angren County, Shigatse City.

• Epicenter: (29.05°N, 86.63°E)
• Depth: 10 km

These earthquakes highlight the seismic activity in Shigatse Prefecture, stressing the importance of preparedness and disaster response efforts in Tibet.