In January 2025, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Tibetan region of China and parts of Nepal, causing widespread devastation. The quake’s epicenter was located within the Lhasa Terrane, near the Mount Everest region.
This event aligns with recent research identifying the Qixiang Co Fault, a newly discovered tectonic fault that facilitates the eastward movement of the Tibetan Plateau, increasing seismic activity in the region.
The earthquake resulted from the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, a process that began around 50 million years ago. The Indian plate continues to push into the Eurasian plate at a rate of approximately 60 mm per year. This movement builds tension, which is eventually released as earthquakes.
Since 1950, more than 21 earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or higher have been recorded in the Lhasa Terrane, highlighting the area's seismic vulnerability.
The Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as the "Third Pole," holds significant water resources, including glaciers, rivers, and lakes. Earthquakes in the region can destabilize glaciers and alter river courses, increasing the risk of floods.
The Lhasa Terrane is also home to critical infrastructure projects, including China's massive hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which flows into India as the Siang and eventually becomes the Brahmaputra. This has raised concerns in India about the potential impact on water flow in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
This event aligns with recent research identifying the Qixiang Co Fault, a newly discovered tectonic fault that facilitates the eastward movement of the Tibetan Plateau, increasing seismic activity in the region.
The earthquake resulted from the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, a process that began around 50 million years ago. The Indian plate continues to push into the Eurasian plate at a rate of approximately 60 mm per year. This movement builds tension, which is eventually released as earthquakes.
Since 1950, more than 21 earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or higher have been recorded in the Lhasa Terrane, highlighting the area's seismic vulnerability.
The Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as the "Third Pole," holds significant water resources, including glaciers, rivers, and lakes. Earthquakes in the region can destabilize glaciers and alter river courses, increasing the risk of floods.
The Lhasa Terrane is also home to critical infrastructure projects, including China's massive hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which flows into India as the Siang and eventually becomes the Brahmaputra. This has raised concerns in India about the potential impact on water flow in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Possible Solutions to Mitigate and Manage Natural Disasters like Earthquakes
1) Implement seismic monitoring networks to detect early signs of earthquakes. Use satellite data and AI-based predictive models for real-time monitoring of tectonic activity and glacier stability.
2) Construct earthquake-resistant buildings, bridges, and dams, especially in high-risk zones.
3) Organize drills, training, and awareness campaigns to educate the public on safety protocols during disasters.
4) Regulate large-scale projects like dams and mining in seismically sensitive zones. Promote environmentally sound policies to reduce glacier and river destabilization risks.
5) Facilitate regional cooperation for shared resources like rivers, ensuring transparent communication during crises.
6) Strengthen disaster response teams with proper equipment, resources, and funding. Establish rapid-response shelters and medical facilities near high-risk areas.
Syllabus:
GS-III:
- Disaster as a Non-traditional security and safety challenge, disaster mitigation and management.