A 7.1 magnitude earthquake devastated Tibet's Shigatse region, causing over 126 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and widespread destruction. Rescue efforts are underway, hampered by terrain and aftershocks, with significant cultural heritage sites potentially damaged.

On December 25, 2024, Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243, an Embraer 190 aircraft, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in 38 fatalities and 29 survivors.