TIBET, May 18 — A 3.8-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet on Sunday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), marking the second seismic event to hit the region in less than a week.
The quake occurred at 1:14 p.m. IST at a depth of 10 km — a shallow depth that increases the potential for aftershocks and more intense surface shaking. The epicenter was located at latitude 29.12°N and longitude 86.75°E, the NCS said in a post on social media platform X.
Just six days earlier, on May 12, a more powerful 5.7-magnitude earthquake had been recorded in the same region, with a similar depth and epicenter coordinates of 29.02°N and 87.48°E.
Seismologists warn that shallow earthquakes, like the ones observed recently in Tibet, are more hazardous due to their proximity to the Earth’s surface. “They tend to release more energy near the surface, resulting in stronger ground motion and increased risk to buildings and people,” noted geological experts.
The Tibetan Plateau, frequently shaken by seismic activity, sits at the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological pressure not only triggers regular earthquakes but also contributes to the gradual rise of the Himalayan mountain range.
“Tibet and Nepal lie on a major fault line. Earthquakes in this region are a direct consequence of the Indian plate pushing into the Eurasian plate,” reported Al Jazeera, citing regional tectonic studies.
Commenting on the broader seismic risks, Dr. Marianne Karplus, a seismologist and professor at the University of Texas at El Paso, emphasized the need for preparedness. “The Earth system is very complex, and we cannot predict earthquakes. However, we can conduct scientific studies to better understand what causes earthquakes in Tibet and to better understand the shaking and impacts resulting from earthquakes,” she told Al Jazeera.
Karplus also stressed the importance of education and infrastructure. “Education about earthquakes and earthquake-resilient buildings, combined with funding for retrofits and resilient structures, can help protect people and buildings when strong earthquakes occur,” she said.
Authorities have not yet reported any damage or casualties from Sunday’s quake. However, monitoring continues due to the risk of aftershocks.
