China Closes Mt Everest Scenic Area After Strong Earthquake Strikes Tibet

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China has temporarily closed the scenic areas of Mt Everest, known as Mount Qomolangma, to tourists following a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Dingri County in the Tibet Autonomous Region on January 7, 2025. The earthquake occurred at 9:05 AM local time and resulted in the deaths of fifty-three individuals, with sixty-two others reported injured, according to the regional disaster relief headquarters.

Local authorities assured that both staff and tourists in the area are safe. The structural integrity of hotel buildings and surrounding areas within the scenic zone has remained intact, as confirmed by the Dingri Culture and Tourism Bureau. However, the Qomolangma Station for Atmospheric and Environmental Research is currently facing a power outage. Despite this, the facility itself has not suffered any major damage.

Dingri County, located at the China-Nepal border, serves as the base camp for climbers attempting to reach the world’s highest peak, which stands at over 8,840 meters. The region experienced a surge in tourism, with 13,764 foreign visitors recorded in 2024, more than double the number from the previous year, primarily hailing from Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, and France.

As the region grapples with aftershocks and recovery efforts, weather conditions in Dingri are reported to be extreme, with temperatures ranging from minus 18 degrees Celsius to zero.

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