Tents and other essential supplies are being distributed to survivors of a deadly earthquake in Tibet, which killed 126 people and rendered thousands homeless in freezing high-altitude conditions, reports AP. Rescue workers continued searching on Wednesday for victims and survivors near the holy Tibetan Buddhist city of Xigaze, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, following the quake that struck a day earlier. Strong earthquake kills at least 95 people in western China near Mount Everest The confirmed death toll stands at 126, with 188 injured, as of Tuesday evening. Temperatures in the region, averaging an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), dropped well below freezing overnight. Over 3,600 houses collapsed, forcing 30,000 residents to relocate, according to a preliminary survey cited by the city government. The epicenter of the earthquake, measuring a magnitude of 7.1 according to the U.S. Geological Survey, was approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Xigaze and about 75 kilometers (50 miles) from Mount Everest and Nepal's border. Chinese authorities recorded the magnitude at 6.8. The quake also caused widespread panic in Nepal, where people fled their homes in the capital, it said. Earthquake kills 126 people in China near Mount Everest Gurum village, with a population of 222, reported 22 deaths, including the mother of its Communist Party chief, Tsering Phuntsog, who noted that even young residents struggled to escape collapsing buildings. Several of his relatives remain buried under debris. The region’s historical and political significance has added complexity to the disaster response. Xigaze is home to the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, associated with the Panchen Lama, Tibetan Buddhism’s second-highest figure. A decades-long dispute exists between the Chinese government and followers of the Dalai Lama regarding the Panchen Lama’s legitimacy, following the disappearance of a Dalai Lama-appointed boy in the mid-1990s, added the report. The Chinese government claims Tibet as part of its territory, while many Tibetans argue they were largely independent before China’s 1950 invasion. This tension, coupled with Tibet’s restrictions on foreign journalists, often limits external reporting on the region. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 1,850 rescuers, including firefighters and emergency personnel, deployed, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV. Communications in the area have been restored, facilitating the delivery of relief items such as tents and quilts. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “all-out rescue efforts to save lives and minimize casualties,” Xinhua reported. Despite this, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized the Dalai Lama's plans to lead a prayer ceremony in Dharamsala, India, for the earthquake victims, reaffirming the government's stance against him. Dharamsala, home to the Dalai Lama and a significant Tibetan exile community, also plans to hold a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night. Strong earthquake kills at least 95 people in western China near Mount Everest More than 500 aftershocks have been recorded, underscoring the earthquake’s intensity. Chinese officials remain confident in their ability to rebuild under the Communist Party’s leadership.

 A strong earthquake shook a high-altitude region of western China and areas of Nepal on Tuesday, damaging hundreds of houses, littering streets with rubble and killing at least 126 people in Tibet. Many others were trapped as dozens of aftershocks shook the remote region. Rescue workers climbed mounds of broken bricks, some using ladders in heavily damaged villages, as they searched for survivors. Videos posted by China's Ministry of Emergency Management showed two people being carried on stretchers by workers treading over the debris from collapsed homes. At least 188 people were injured in Tibet on the Chinese side of the border, the official Xinhua News Agency said. More than 1,000 homes were damaged in the barren and sparsely populated region, state broadcaster CCTV reported. In video posted by the broadcaster, building debris littered streets and crushed cars. People in northeastern Nepal strongly felt the earthquake, but there were no initial reports of injuries or damage, according to the country's National Emergency Operation Center. The area around Mount Everest, about 75 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of the epicenter, was empty in the depth of winter when even some residents move away to escape the cold. The quake woke up residents in Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu — about 230 kilometers (140 miles) from the epicenter — and sent them running into the streets. Read: Bangladesh on edge as earthquake threats escalating The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake measured magnitude 7.1 and was relatively shallow at a depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles). China's Earthquake Networks Center recorded the magnitude as 6.8. Shallow earthquakes often cause more damage. The epicenter was in Tibet's Tingri county, where the India and Eurasia plates grind against each other and can cause earthquakes strong enough to change the heights of some of the world’s tallest peaks in the Himalayan mountains. Tibet is part of China, but many Tibetans’ loyalties lie with the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader who has lived in exile in India since a failed anti-Chinese uprising in 1959. Western governments and human rights organizations have repeatedly accused the Chinese government of abuses in Tibet, where it has cracked down on dissent while investing heavily in economic development. There have been 10 earthquakes of at least magnitude 6 in the area where Tuesday’s quake hit over the past century, the USGS said. About 150 aftershocks were recorded in the nine hours after the earthquake, and the Mount Everest scenic area on the Chinese side was closed. Read more: Earthquake activity near Alaskan Volcano sparks concerns Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for all-out efforts to rescue people, minimize casualties and resettle those whose homes were damaged. More than 3,000 rescuers were deployed, CCTV said. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing was dispatched to the area to guide the work, and the government announced the allocation of 100 million yuan ($13.6 million) for disaster relief. About 6,900 people live in three townships and 27 villages within 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) of the epicenter on the Chinese side, state media said. The average altitude in the area is about 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), the Chinese earthquake center said in a social media post. On the southwest edge of Kathmandu, a video showed water spilling out into the street from a pond in a courtyard with a small temple. “It is a big earthquake," a woman can be heard saying. "People are all shaking.”

The tremors of a 7.1 magnitude earthquake that rattled the region on Tuesday morning serve as a stark reminder of Bangladesh's seismic vulnerabilities. While no casualties have been reported in Bangladesh, the incident has brought renewed attention to the country’s readiness to confront a potentially catastrophic earthquake. Experts warn that recent patterns—over 60 recorded quakes since 2024 alone—indicate an urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness. Nestled at the junction of active tectonic plates, Bangladesh faces immense seismic risks. Its dense population, ageing infrastructure, and poor enforcement of building codes amplify these dangers, painting a grim picture for the future unless immediate action is taken. Govt intensifies efforts to improve Dhaka's traffic management The tremors were also felt across Nepal, India, Bhutan and China, highlighting the regional dimensions of such disasters. A Nation on the Edge Bangladesh’s position at the collision zone of tectonic plates, with several active fault lines, places it at significant risk. Historically, the region has experienced devastating earthquakes, with five major events between 1869 and 1930 registering above 7.0 on the Richter scale. Since then, there has been a lull in high-magnitude quakes—a silence that experts caution could precede a seismic upheaval. Recent years have seen a troubling rise in seismic activity. Among the 60 earthquakes recorded since 2024, three were above magnitude 4.0, while 31 ranged between 3.0 and 4.0. This uptick, coupled with urban sprawl and inadequate infrastructure, leaves the nation precariously exposed. Fire at building in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan under control Dhaka: A City at Risk Dhaka ranks among the 20 most vulnerable cities globally to earthquakes. The 2013 Rana Plaza collapse, which claimed over 1,100 lives, serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by poorly constructed buildings. A 2018 survey found that many structures in areas such as Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Pallabi, Rampura, Motijheel, and Khilgaon fail to meet structural and design standards. Chattogram, the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and Jaintiapur in Sylhet are identified as extreme risk zones. A high-magnitude earthquake in these areas could unleash a disaster of unimaginable scale in Dhaka. Sub-National Earthquake Risk Assessment In March 2024, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) launched Bangladesh’s first sub-national earthquake risk assessment, a proactive measure supported by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation. This initiative integrates advanced probabilistic seismic hazard models, building exposure analyses, and fragility evaluations to map vulnerabilities and recommend actionable strategies. Initial findings, shared during a four-day dissemination event in Dhaka, shed light on critical weaknesses. Government officials, humanitarian organisations, and university students were briefed on historical seismicity, hypothetical scenarios, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. Thirty-five students received technical training on earthquake modelling, equipping the next generation to address these challenges head-on. Illegal brick kilns fined Tk 1.24 crore, 11 shut down, 15 ordered closed Unveiling Vulnerabilities Key insights from the assessment reveal significant shortcomings: Fragile Infrastructure: Hospitals, emergency response centres, and government offices are among the structures requiring urgent retrofitting to withstand seismic shocks. Urban Planning Gaps: Poor enforcement of building codes and rapid, unplanned urbanisation heighten risks, particularly in densely populated areas like Dhaka. Public Awareness Deficit: Many citizens remain unprepared for earthquake scenarios, with limited understanding of emergency protocols. A Call to Action While the sub-national assessment marks a crucial step forward, experts stress the need for a unified, multi-sectoral approach to mitigate risks. Key recommendations include: · Strengthening and enforcing building codes. · Conducting public awareness campaigns to educate communities on earthquake preparedness. · Allocating resources to retrofit critical infrastructure. · Enhancing civil-military coordination for efficient disaster response. With proper implementation of the sub-national assessment’s recommendations, Bangladesh can transform its vulnerabilities into a robust defence against seismic threats.

A powerful earthquake in Tibet on Tuesday claimed at least 95 lives and left numerous others trapped as aftershocks rocked the high-altitude region of western China and parts of Nepal. Authorities reported that 130 people sustained injuries, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Rescue footage displayed emergency workers in orange suits navigating debris-strewn areas, with collapsed structures and crushed vehicles visible. State media cited the Tibet earthquake relief headquarters, noting around 1,000 homes sustained damage and 130 people were injured in addition to the fatalities. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) registered the earthquake at magnitude 7.1 with a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), while Chinese officials recorded it as magnitude 6.8. The epicenter was located roughly 75 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Mount Everest, along the seismically active India-Eurasia tectonic boundary, responsible for shaping the Himalayan mountains. Major earthquake jolts parts of Bangladesh Within three hours, around 50 aftershocks followed the main tremor, prompting the closure of the Mount Everest scenic area on the Chinese side. The Ministry of Emergency Management deployed approximately 1,500 fire and rescue personnel, while an additional 200 soldiers joined search efforts, CCTV reported. Chinese President Xi Jinping urged swift action to rescue victims, reduce casualties, and provide shelter for those displaced. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing was sent to oversee rescue operations. The quake struck near several communities, with the closest around 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the epicenter. It was located approximately 380 kilometers (240 miles) from Tibet's capital, Lhasa, and 23 kilometers (14 miles) from Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, also known as Xigaze. The China Earthquake Networks Center reported the area’s average altitude as approximately 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). Across the border in Nepal, authorities instructed officials to assess damage and casualties. Nepal’s National Emergency Operation Center in Kathmandu confirmed no immediate reports of damage or injuries, although the tremor was strongly felt. Dense fog may disrupt flights, road, river communications: BMD In Solukhumbu district, home to Mount Everest, no damage was reported. The region, usually bustling with trekkers, was largely vacant due to harsh winter conditions. In Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, about 230 kilometers (140 miles) from the epicenter, the quake startled residents, prompting them to rush outdoors. The USGS reported at least 10 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher have struck the region over the past century.

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake jolted Dhaka and other parts of the country on Tuesday. The earthquake was felt at 7:05 am (Bangladesh time)and the epicentre of the earthquake was 618 km north-west of BMD Seismic Centre , Agargaon, Dhaka, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department. Read: Earthquake jolts Sylhet, no damages, casualties reported

The northeastern district of Sylhet has experienced an earthquake, causing panic among residents on Friday morning. The earthquake, measuring 5 magnitude on the Richter Scale, occurred at 10:40am and its epiccentre was in neighbouring Myanmar, said Shah Md Sojib Hossain, assistant meteorologist at Sylhet Weather Department. Read: 5.3 magnitude earthquake jolts Telangana’s Mulugu in India However, no damages or casualties were reported. The tremor lasted a few seconds, prompting many people to leave their homes and business establishments and rush to the streets.  

A 5.3 magnitude earthquake jolted Telangana’s Mulugu district on Wednesday morning, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported. The earthquake occurred at approximately 7:27 am, originating at a depth of 40 kilometers near Mulugu, as per NCS data. The tremors were felt across Mulugu and neighboring districts, including Hyderabad, prompting residents to share videos and reactions on social media. “For the first time in 20 years, Telangana experienced one of the strongest earthquakes, with a 5.3 magnitude quake centered in Mulugu. Tremors were felt across the state, including Hyderabad. Yet again, an earthquake at the Godavari riverbed, but this time, a stronger one,” wrote a user named Telangana Weatherman on X. Read: Moderate earthquake strikes Eastern Turkey Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage. Telangana lies in Seismic Zone II, which is categorized as the lowest-risk zone in India’s seismic classification system. The country is divided into four seismic zones, with Zone V being the most earthquake-prone. Source: With inputs from agencies  

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is vulnerable to earthquake disasters due to spontaneous urbanization, high population density, haphazard growth of high-rise buildings, unplanned infrastructure, etc. Besides these, inadequate disaster management plans make Dhaka more vulnerable to disaster risk if a seismic tremor of magnitude 7 or over on the Richter scale occurs. An effective earthquake disaster prevention program is required at organizational levels to minimize the risk of disaster. Earthquake risk in Dhaka city  Dhaka is vulnerable to earthquake disasters for several reasons.  Located in risky seismic zone Bangladesh has been divided into three main earthquake zones. According to the seismic zoning of Bangladesh, Dhaka falls into Zone 2, that also includes Rajshahi, Natore, Magura, Meherpur, Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, and Feni. Here, the Chittagong-Comilla-Dhaka and Tangail areas have a possible earthquake risk of magnitude of 6 on the Richter scale. Unsafe structures The government of Bangladesh has developed national building codes, which include detailed guidelines for earthquake-resistant design of concrete and steel structures. However, these codes are not officially enforced. Due to the lack of effective enforcement mechanisms, it is feared that many new structures do not maintain the necessary requisites for earthquake-resistant construction. Therefore, the number of unsafe structures in Dhaka city is increasing.  Read more: 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries around the World Furthermore, many high-rise buildings and garment factories are being constructed in Dhaka without following the rules. Furthermore, not leaving adequate open spaces while designing buildings also increases the risk of casualties if structures collapse due to earthquakes. Besides these, a significant portion of the structures of Dhaka city have encroached upon the streets and roadways, making those infrastructures more vulnerable for passersby and commuters during earthquakes.  As a result, after a major earthquake of magnitude 7 or over on the Richter scale, these structures can collapse, block streets, hinder rescue operations, and bring the greatest devastation to Dhaka city.  High population density The population density is very high in Dhaka city. With more than 23.9 million people, and an average of 38,000 people per square kilometer, Dhaka is one of the most crowded cities in the world. As the city is expanding quickly, many new buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure are being constructed to fulfill the needs of this big population.  Millions of inhabitants of Dhaka city live in poorly made buildings.  Soil type Geographically, Dhaka city is made of soft, wet delta soil, which makes the structures more vulnerable to earthquakes.  Read more: Can Earthquakes Really be Predicted? Some effective organizational measures to mitigate earthquake disaster risk in Dhaka city As an earthquake is a natural disaster, it cannot be prevented. However, adequate measures at national, organizational, and individual levels can minimize the loss of lives and property. Here the organizational measures will be discussed. Decentralization  Dhaka is the center of the economy and administration of Bangladesh. Therefore, Dhaka’s risk in the context of the earthquake can make the economic stability, and public administration of Bangladesh vulnerable. Therefore, decentralization of key financial and administrative activities can minimize the damage if Dhaka faces any major earthquake.  Planning for water and airways  If a major earthquake occurs, the existing road communication system in and around Dhaka can be affected, but the effect will be less in waterways. So there should be a plan to restore the existing waterways (canals, rivers in and around Dhaka) for use during the earthquake emergency period.  Dhaka city is surrounded by three rivers, Buriganga, Sitalakhya, and Turag. These rivers can be again turned into the lifeblood of the city. These rivers need extensive dredging to ensure navigability around the year. The city's circular riverway can be a very useful communication route.  Furthermore, helicopters can also perform during emergency response. This will be an effective way in the field of rescue and emergency services distribution.  Read more: Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe Build earthquake-resistant structures If the structures are not earthquake-resistant, severe damage to lives and properties can occur after an earthquake of 7 or more magnitude hits the city. To minimize the risk of earthquake destruction, earthquake-resistant buildings should be built.  The city authority can create strict regulations and make it obligatory for planners, engineers, and architects to consider earthquake-resistance capacity while making plans and designs. The common steps of building earthquake-resistant structures include creating flexible foundations; building shear walls, moment-resisting frames, and diaphragms; building Seismic Invisibility Cloak; using earthquake-resistant materials, etc. Seismic hazard mapping and database preparation It is essential to develop a comprehensive regional database of all recorded historical earthquakes in and around Dhaka city. A comprehensive regional seismic hazard map of Dhaka city should be prepared to incorporate appropriate building codes.  Read more: Turkey Earthquake: Why Did So Many Buildings Collapse? Resources such as scientists, seismologists, geologists, engineers, architects, planners, GIS experts, remote sensing experts, and other technicians should be prepared through higher education and relevant training programs to build leadership in earthquake hazard assessment research in Bangladesh. 

Earthquake alerts on smartphones offer crucial warnings mere seconds before the shaking begins, providing vital time to seek immediate safety. Utilizing advanced technology to detect seismic activity, these alerts help minimize injuries and save lives. Enabling this feature ensures preparedness and swift response during an earthquake, making it an indispensable tool for personal safety. Here's a step-by-step guide on activating the earthquake warning system on smartphones. How to Turn On Earthquake Alerts on Android Phones Prerequisites Before proceeding, it is necessary to ensure that both mobile data and Wi-Fi are enabled to access the internet. Additionally, the phone's location services must be activated to receive accurate alerts based on the right direction. Enabling of the Alarm Locate and tap the settings icon on the home screen. Scroll down to select the 'Safety and Emergency' option. Once inside, find the 'Earthquake Alerts' option, where the switch can be toggled to activate the alert on the device. Read more: Turkey Earthquake: Why Did So Many Buildings Collapse? Generally, these steps are almost the same for most phones that support the Google Play Store or Android model. Additional Features On the same screen, there is a small feature titled 'Demo' that simulates the smartphone's alert during an earthquake. It includes sounding an alarm, displaying earthquake magnitude and distance, and providing immediate action recommendations. Furthermore, following the 'Demo' option, there is another feature called 'Learn Earthquake Safety Tips'. It redirects to Google search and automatically displays safety information without requiring a search query to be typed. Read more: Earthquake Safety: Do’s and Don’ts during an Earthquake Alternative Access for Some Devices Some Android phones may not have the 'Safety and Emergency' option in 'Settings'. In that case, the feature can be found in 'Location'. That is, after turning on the phone's location, it doesn’t need to go back to the settings. On the 'Location' screen, scroll further down to find the direct 'Earthquake Alert' option. Device Compatibility These steps are generally applicable to Android devices using Android 5 (Lollipop) and above. Versions below Android 12 may have slight variations in enabling the alarm. Read more: Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe How to Turn on Earthquake Alarm on iPhones Apple device users should navigate to the phone's 'Settings', then select 'Notifications'. From there, scroll down on the new screen to locate 'Emergency Alerts'. Activating this option toggles the earthquake alarm. How the Alert System Works Google's Earthquake Alarm system operates by leveraging the accelerometer sensors present in Android smartphones to detect seismic activity. These sensors can detect both surface vibrations and movements within structures, providing real-time earthquake data. Data Collection and Processing When Earthquake Alarm is enabled on an Android device, the accelerometer continuously monitors for seismic tremors. Upon detecting vibrations indicative of an earthquake, the smartphone immediately sends this data to Google's central server. Read more: 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries around the World The server aggregates data from multiple smartphones in the affected area. By analyzing the timing and intensity of tremors reported by these devices, the system determines the occurrence, magnitude, and epicenter of the earthquake. Alert Distribution Upon processing the seismic data, Google's server promptly sends alerts to Android devices located within the affected region. These alerts are crucial for providing timely warnings to users, allowing them to respond swiftly to potential seismic hazards. There are two types of warning signals sent on earthquake levels: Be Aware Signals This signal is triggered for earthquakes with a magnitude up to 4.5 on the Richter scale. It notifies users through subtle vibrations, adjusted volume levels, and 'Do Not Disturb' settings on their phones. Read more: Post-Earthquake Cautions: Do’s & Don’ts Take Action Signals When the earthquake magnitude exceeds 4.5, this warning is activated. The alert occupies the entire screen of the smartphone, overriding 'Do Not Disturb' settings to ensure immediate attention. The notification sound is prominently activated to alert users to take necessary precautions. Summing Up Activating earthquake alarms on smartphones, compatible with Android and iPhones, requires an active internet connection and enabled location services. Using accelerometer data ensures timely warnings, empowering users to respond effectively during seismic events. These alerts underscore the importance of technology in enhancing safety and disaster preparedness worldwide. Read more: Can Earthquakes Really be Predicted?

A moderate earthquake jolted parts of Bangladesh including Dhaka on Sunday (June 02, 2024) afternoon. The earthquake, measuring 5 magnitude on the Richter Scale, was felt at 2: 44 pm which lasted for a few seconds, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The earthquake jolted Dhaka, Rangamati, Cumilla, Cox’s Bazar and Khagrachhari districts, said Farzana Sultana, assistant meteorologist of BMD. 5.4 magnitude earthquake jolts Bangladesh: USGS The epicentre of the earthquake was located at Mawlaik, Myanmar. The distance of the epicenter was 441 km south east from the BMD Seismic Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka, according to BMD. No damage due to the earthquake was reported at the time of filing this report. A cluster of earthquakes shakes Taiwan after a strong quake killed 13 earlier this month