New Delhi
An earthquake struck China’s southwestern Sichuan province on Friday, with tremors measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale recorded in Longchang city at 1:13 p.m. The earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 13 kilometers. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.According to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), the 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck Longchang city in Sichuan province at 1:13 p.m. Beijing time. Citing information released by the CENC, China Daily reported that the epicenter was located at 29.23 degrees north latitude and 105.22 degrees east longitude. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 13 kilometers.The earthquake occurred at a time when neighboring Nepal is grappling with widespread devastation caused by severe flooding. The disaster has also had some impact in parts of China, while the earthquake has further heightened concerns in the region.According to scientific assessments by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Government of Nepal, 47 glacial lakes have been identified as Potentially Dangerous Glacial Lakes (PDGLs). Experts have warned that these lakes could trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) at any time, potentially causing catastrophic flooding in Nepal’s river systems. In such a situation, an earthquake could further increase the risk of disaster.Of the 47 potentially dangerous glacial lakes, 21 are located in Nepal, while 25 are situated in Tibet and fall into the transboundary category. These lakes are located in the upper reaches of rivers that flow southward into Nepal, posing a potential threat to downstream communities and critical infrastructure.Meanwhile, the death toll from the devastating flood in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River on August 26 has risen to 469, while 977 people remain missing. The disaster occurred after the flow of the river’s tributary, the Lhende River, was blocked by an avalanche.The village of Timure, located in the Rasuwagadhi area near the Nepal-China border, was among the first places to be affected by the disaster.Reports said there had been no rainfall in the area at the time, leaving residents with little warning of the impending disaster. People were reportedly engaged in their routine daily activities when the flood struck.
