earthquake - nepal 2015

Background

• A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on 25 April 2015.
• The epicentre was near Gorkha, about 80 km northwest of Kathmandu.
• Nepal lies on a destructive plate boundary where the Indian Plate collides with the Eurasian Plate.
• The earthquake triggered aftershocks, landslides, and avalanches in the Himalayas.

Causes

• Tectonic activity: movement of the Indian Plate pushing north into the Eurasian Plate.
• Stress along fault lines built up over hundreds of years.
• Sudden release of energy caused ground shaking and surface rupture.

Primary Impacts

• Deaths: Around 9,000 people died.
• Injuries: More than 22,000 people were injured.
• Buildings: Thousands of homes, schools, and hospitals collapsed.
• Heritage: Historic temples and UNESCO sites in Kathmandu were destroyed.
• Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and electricity supply were damaged.

Secondary Impacts

• Landslides blocked roads and destroyed farmland.
• Avalanches on Mount Everest killed climbers.
• Homelessness: Hundreds of thousands were displaced.
• Economic loss: Estimated at $10 billion, affecting livelihoods and tourism.
• Health risks: Poor sanitation and overcrowding led to disease risk.

Responses

• Local: Communities rescued people and provided shelter and food.
• National: Nepalese government coordinated aid, though resources were limited.
• International: Aid came from countries and NGOs, including medical teams, food, and tents.
• Recovery efforts: Rebuilding of homes, schools, and infrastructure is ongoing; stricter building codes introduced.