Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Jan. 22: A 4.9-magnitude earthquake struck Khyungchu County in Amdo, Tibet, on the morning of January 20 at approximately 5:07 AM local time. No human or livestock casualties or building collapses have been reported at the time of writing this report.
According to Tibetan media outlet Tibettimes, the tremors were felt in nearby areas, including Zoege County, Ngaba County, Sungchu County, and Machu County but Dachen and Serdheu villages in Khyungchu County reported the strongest effects. Residents in affected areas experienced power outages and internet disruptions. Household items were displaced, and porcelain utensils were broken in some homes.
Authorities in Dachen, Mewa, and Serdheu villages advised residents to set up temporary outdoor shelters as a precaution. The Chinese government has imposed restrictions on sharing earthquake-related images and videos on social media. State-controlled media have issued brief updates, but detailed information on damages remains unavailable. Officials have warned of potential arrests for sharing disaster-related content online.
This earthquake is part of ongoing seismic activity in the region. Since January 7, Tibet has experienced a series of earthquakes and aftershocks. Earlier incidents include a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Dingri which took 134 lives, damaged Dams and monasteries. Subsequent seismic events in Matoe County, Golog were also reported. These incidents have prompted tighter controls on information sharing, with authorities warning of potential arrests for online posts related to disaster coverage.
The Tibetan Plateau continues to experience seismic activity amid reckless development projects in Tibet by China despite ecological and cultural concerns. While 4.9-magnitude earthquakes register as light events, their impact depends on geology and infrastructure conditions, experts said.