Rapid Assessment of Building Losses in the M6.8 Tingri Earthquake, Tibet, China

Abstract

On 7 January 2025, at 09:05 local time, a M6.8 earthquake occurred in Tingri County, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, causing significant casualties and widespread building damage. In response to the urgent need for post-earthquake loss assessment, we proposed a comprehensive rapid assessment framework. This framework synergistically integrates remote sensing data, seismic intensity maps, building distribution data, building damage matrices, national census data, and regional building surveys to expedite the estimation of affected areas and the quantification of damaged bulidings. The methodology involved the development of structural damage matrices and seismic fragility curves specific to various structural types, facilitating the assessment of direct economic losses. Our findings reveal that over 70% of the buildings within the high seismic intensity zones (IX and VIII) near the epicenter were earth-timber structures, characterized by limited seismic resistance. This structural vulnerability status led to disproportionately higher rates of building collapse and severe damage compared to the areas with better seismic-resistant buildings. The assessment identified approximately 254,000 affected buildings within the epicentral and surrounding regions, with a total affected building area of 12.30 million m². The analysis of buildings at different damage levels showed that 26% of the buildings were slightly damaged, 15% were moderately damaged, 6% were severely damaged, and 3% collapsed. The direct economic losses from building damage was estimated at approximately CNY 3.62 billion. This study established a practical technical framework for rapid building loss assessment for earthquakes in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and adjacent regions, enabling timely and reliable evaluation of seismic impacts. The proposed methodology enhances decision-making efficiency during emergency response by providing critical information for response strategies. Furthermore, this study could offer a fundamental reference for post-earthquake recovery planning, supporting the development of targeted reconstruction efforts. More broadly, this study holds significant potential for improving disaster management in seismically vulnerable regions, particularly those with similar structural weaknesses and high seismic risk.

Keywords

Building loss / Direct economic loss / Fragility / Rapid assessment / Tibet / Tingri Earthquake

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