Magnitude 5 Earthquake Strikes Tibet 7 Days After Deadly Himalayan Floods

A magnitude 5 earthquake struck Tibet on Thursday, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences, as rescue and recovery efforts continued following devastating floods near the Gyirong border. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, with no immediate reports of casualties or injuries. The tremor came seven days after catastrophic flooding in Nepal and neighbouring areas caused widespread deaths and infrastructure damage.

The earthquake occurred as authorities continued dealing with the aftermath of the August 26 disaster near the Gyirong border. The flooding triggered severe destruction in Nepal’s Rasuwa district and affected areas around the Bhote Koshi River. Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that the death toll from the Rasuwa disaster had risen to 1,252, while 4,216 people remained missing as of Thursday.

Only 95 bodies had been identified and handed over to relatives, highlighting the continuing challenges faced by rescue and recovery teams. The disaster has caused extensive disruption in affected communities, with authorities continuing searches for missing people while arranging shelter and assistance for those displaced by the floods.

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Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal announced that the government would seek international assistance for the recovery and reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by the Bhote Koshi flood. Speaking to members of the diplomatic community in Kathmandu, Khanal noted that the government would first complete a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment before formally seeking international support for reconstruction.

Khanal described the floods as a “Himalayan Tsunami” and acknowledged the assistance and solidarity extended by countries and international organisations. The disaster has emerged as one of Nepal’s most significant recent crises, following the Gen-Z movement last year, during which 77 people were killed and property damage exceeded NPR 84 billion, according to government figures.

Meanwhile, thousands of people displaced by the flooding remain in temporary holding centres. Authorities reported that around 3,948 people were staying at such facilities, including 2,981 in Nuwakot, 320 in Rasuwa, 260 in Dhading and 387 in Kathmandu. The latest earthquake adds another layer of concern for communities and authorities already engaged in large-scale disaster response and recovery operations across the Himalayan region.

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