By Tsering Passang (London, UK)

On January 7, 2025, a devastating earthquake struck Dingri in Tibet, near Shigatse, registering a magnitude of 7.1. The calamity has claimed at least 126 lives, left hundreds injured, and caused widespread destruction to homes, monasteries, and cultural landmarks. However, independent assessments of the disaster's full impact remain impossible due to strict restrictions imposed by Chinese authorities. Eyewitnesses report the actual death toll to be significantly higher. This tragedy has starkly exposed the vulnerabilities of Tibet under Chinese rule and highlighted the urgent need for accountability and effective humanitarian action.

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The Impact: Loss of Lives, Heritage, and Hope

Dingri, situated in southern Tibet near the Nepal border, holds immense cultural and historical significance. Renowned for its ancient trade routes and sacred monasteries, the region has suffered extensive damage. Many of these cherished landmarks, deeply intertwined with Tibetan Buddhism, now lie in ruins, compounding the grief of local communities.

The earthquake’s toll was further exacerbated by demographic shifts. Younger residents, drawn away by Chinese-led construction projects elsewhere, left elderly family members behind, who were unable to escape collapsing buildings. Informants suggest this absence of youthful manpower critically hindered immediate rescue efforts, leaving survivors to fend for themselves during the crucial hours after the quake.

Additionally, the severity of the disaster has been attributed to unchecked infrastructure projects and mining activities by Chinese companies, which have destabilised the region’s fragile ecology. These activities, coupled with restrictions on traditional practices like nomadic goat herding, have disrupted the natural balance and cultural fabric of Tibetan life.

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A Region Forgotten Yet Exploited

Despite over seven decades of Chinese rule, Dingri remains one of Tibet’s most underdeveloped regions. Basic infrastructure and healthcare are scarce, even as Beijing aggressively exploits the area’s natural resources and strategic location near South Asia.

Although Dingri’s unique landscape, close to Mount Everest, holds potential for sustainable tourism, such opportunities remain untapped. Instead, China prioritizes militarization, mining, and large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at consolidating its geopolitical interests, often at the expense of Tibetan communities.

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Solidarity and Resilience Amid Occupation

In the aftermath of the disaster, messages of support have poured in from across the globe. His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered heartfelt prayers for the victims from South India, while French President Emmanuel Macron pledged humanitarian aid, underscoring international concern for Tibet’s plight.

Local Tibetans were the first to respond, organizing rescue efforts and documenting the devastation through photos and videos. However, once Chinese authorities arrived, they imposed strict controls, banning the sharing of information on social media. Tibetan communities, both within the region and abroad, have nonetheless mobilized to provide aid and solidarity. Mass prayer gatherings have been held worldwide, showcasing the resilience and unity of the Tibetan people.

Despite this natural calamity, Tibetans remain resolute in their resistance against Communist China’s occupation – a regime responsible for the deaths of over a million Tibetans, including children, women, and Buddhist monks and nuns. This enduring spirit of defiance and compassion exemplifies their unwavering commitment to preserving their identity, culture, and freedom.

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Challenging China’s Narrative

The Chinese government has claimed to have launched immediate and effective relief efforts. However, eyewitness accounts suggest otherwise. Survivors reported being left without assistance during the critical initial hours, raising questions about the absence of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops in the immediate aftermath.

Chinese officials and state-controlled media have also used the tragedy to further their propaganda. Referring to Tibet as “Xizang,” they continue to impose nomenclature rejected by Tibetans and independent media, aiming to erode Tibetan identity. This linguistic imposition underscores the broader strategy of assimilation.

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Recommendations for Recovery and Accountability

As attention shifts to rebuilding, addressing the immediate needs of those affected while promoting sustainable development is imperative:

• Transparent Relief Efforts: Involving local Tibetan communities in relief operations to ensure aid reaches those in need.
• Diaspora and Foreign Contributions: Allowing Tibetan exiles and international NGOs to provide aid without interference.
• Cultural Preservation: Prioritizing the restoration of monasteries and heritage sites to honor Tibetan identity.
• Sustainable Development: Focusing on healthcare, education, and infrastructure that benefit local populations.
• Environmental Safeguards: Protecting Tibet’s fragile ecology and promoting responsible resource use.
• Respect for Tibetan Identity: Ending policies of cultural assimilation and recognizing Tibet’s distinct heritage.

Moreover, large-scale projects like the planned railway tunnel under Mount Everest must be reconsidered to prevent exacerbating ecological and human vulnerabilities, particularly those affecting Tibet and Nepal.

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A Call for Justice

The 2025 Tibet Earthquake serves as a tragic reminder of the human and cultural costs of China’s policies in Tibet. While natural disasters are inevitable, their impact is often shaped by political and social factors. This catastrophe underscores the urgent need for international advocacy to uphold Tibetan rights and dignity.

As the world mourns the victims, it must also recommit to the broader struggle for justice, cultural preservation, and self-determination for the Tibetan people. Amid the devastation, the resilience of the Tibetan spirit remains a beacon of hope and resistance against oppression.

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Tsering Passang is the founder and chair of the UK-based Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM).

Tsering Passang