Government agencies in Solukhumbu district have been mobilized to assess the impact of an earthquake that struck Tibet, with tremors felt in Nepal.
The earthquake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter in Dinggye County, Tibet, China had also jolted eastern districts of Nepal, as well as Kathmandu, on Tuesday morning, the state-run national news agency RSS reported.
Chief District Officer of Solukhumbu, Anoj Kumar Ghimire told RSS that the exact details of the damage caused by the tremor are yet to be collected. “Teams, including security agencies, have been dispatched to gather information.”
He added that coordination with local representatives is ongoing to ensure comprehensive reporting of damages. The Khumbu region, which borders Dinggye County, is suspected to have experienced significant effects.
Laxman Adhikari, chairman of Ward No 4 at Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality, told RSS that the Lobuche area, which lies en route to the Everest base camp, might have sustained damages.
"Our team has been deployed to Lobuche. However, due to unreliable telephone connectivity, an on-site inspection is necessary. It will take a few hours to reach the area," Adhikari told RSS on Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, authorities in Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar, and Taplejung districts stated that no damage has been reported so far. However, inspections are being conducted to evaluate the situation post-earthquake.
According to media reports, at least nine people have been killed in Tibet by the earthquake.
China’s official Xinhua news agency reported that nine people were killed in three townships – Changsuo, Quluo and Cuoguo – in Shigatse’s surrounding Tingri county, where many buildings had collapsed.
Mt Lobuche, left, and Mt Pumori, centre, seen from Thugla en route to the Everest Base Camp in the Sagarmatha National Park. Photo: Neeraj Roy/NBA files
