An earthquake measuring magnitude 6.8 shook Dingri County in Xigaze, located in the southwest of China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, prompting immediate geological assessments. Leading the response, Fan Xuanmei, director of the State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection at Chengdu University of Technology, and her team conducted a thorough evaluation of the affected areas.
“Our assessments indicate a low probability of large-scale landslides resulting from this earthquake,” stated Fan. “The immediate geological conditions remain stable, and there is no significant damage observed to the glacier lakes in the region.”
Despite the reassuring initial findings, Fan cautioned about potential future risks. “While the current situation is stable, rising temperatures and accelerated snowmelt could increase the likelihood of geohazards in the future,” she explained. “Continuous monitoring is essential to proactively manage and mitigate any emerging risks.”
The Xizang Autonomous Region, home to some of the world’s highest peaks and glaciers, is particularly susceptible to climate-related geological changes. The recent earthquake has heightened awareness of the delicate balance in these mountainous ecosystems.
Local authorities have initiated precautionary measures, advising residents and visitors to stay informed about weather forecasts and to report any signs of geological instability. Emergency response teams remain on standby to address any developments promptly.
Fan and her team emphasize the importance of ongoing research and collaboration with international experts to better understand the impacts of climate change on seismic and geological activity in the region. “Our goal is to enhance preparedness and ensure the safety of the communities living in these vulnerable areas,” she concluded.
Reference(s):
Expert: Low chance of large-scale landslides after Xizang earthquake
cgtn.com
