Introduction
The Nepal Earthquake which happened in April 2015 is also known as Gorkha Earthquake. This earthquake killed more than 8,800 people and injured more than 23,000. It occurred at 11:56(NST) on 25th April with a magnitude of 7.8M or 8.1M, the largest since the 1934 Bihar quake, which measured 8.2M and killed around 10,000 people.
Reasons of the Gorkha Earthquake
Nepal is particularly prone to earthquakes. It sits on the boundary of two massive tectonic plates – the Indo-Australian and Asian plates. It is the collision of these plates that has produced the Himalaya mountains, and with them, earthquakes.
The earthquake was initially reported to be 7.5M by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) before it was quickly upgraded to be 7.8M. The China Earthquake Network Centre (CENC) reported the earthquakes magnitude to be 8.1M. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said two powerful quakes were registered in Nepal.
A number of factors made this quake a recipe for catastrophe. It was shallow: an estimated 15km below the surface at the quake’s epicentre. It saw a large movement of the earth (a maximum of 3m). And the ruptured part of the fault plane extended under a densely populated area in Kathmandu.
David Rothery, professor of planetary geosciences at the Open University. “The shallowness of the source made the ground-shaking at the surface worse than it would have been for a deeper earthquake,” he explained. “I’ve seen pictures of poorly constructed old buildings destroyed in Kathmandu, and I’m concerned that in this mountainous region there could have been landslides that might have destroyed or cut off various remote villages.”
According to the USGS, the temblor was caused by a sudden thrust or release of built-up stress, along the major fault line where the Indian Plate, carrying India, is slowly diving underneath the Eurasian Plate, carrying Europe and Asia. Kathmandu, situated on a block of crust reportedly shifted to the South in just 30 seconds.
The earthquake was initially reported to be 7.5M by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) before it was quickly upgraded to be 7.8M. The China Earthquake Network Centre (CENC) reported the earthquakes magnitude to be 8.1M. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said two powerful quakes were registered in Nepal.
A number of factors made this quake a recipe for catastrophe. It was shallow: an estimated 15km below the surface at the quake’s epicentre. It saw a large movement of the earth (a maximum of 3m). And the ruptured part of the fault plane extended under a densely populated area in Kathmandu.
David Rothery, professor of planetary geosciences at the Open University. “The shallowness of the source made the ground-shaking at the surface worse than it would have been for a deeper earthquake,” he explained. “I’ve seen pictures of poorly constructed old buildings destroyed in Kathmandu, and I’m concerned that in this mountainous region there could have been landslides that might have destroyed or cut off various remote villages.”
According to the USGS, the temblor was caused by a sudden thrust or release of built-up stress, along the major fault line where the Indian Plate, carrying India, is slowly diving underneath the Eurasian Plate, carrying Europe and Asia. Kathmandu, situated on a block of crust reportedly shifted to the South in just 30 seconds.
Destruction
Casualties
Nepal
The earthquake killed more than 8,000 lives and injured more than twice as many. The rural death toll may have been lower that it would've been as the villagers were outdoor, working when the earthquake hit. As of 15th May 2015, 6,271 people, including 1,700 from the 12th May aftershock, were still receiving treatment for their injuries. More than 450,000 people were displaced.
India
A total of 78 deaths were reported - 58 in Bihar, 16 in Uttar Pradesh, 3 in West Bengal and 1 in Rajasthan.
China
25 dead and 4 missing, all from the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Bangladesh
4 dead.
Avalanches of Mount Everest
This earthquake caused many Avalanches in Mount Everest. At least 19 people died, including Google Executive Dan Fredinburg, with at least 120 others missing or injured.
The earthquake killed more than 8,000 lives and injured more than twice as many. The rural death toll may have been lower that it would've been as the villagers were outdoor, working when the earthquake hit. As of 15th May 2015, 6,271 people, including 1,700 from the 12th May aftershock, were still receiving treatment for their injuries. More than 450,000 people were displaced.
India
A total of 78 deaths were reported - 58 in Bihar, 16 in Uttar Pradesh, 3 in West Bengal and 1 in Rajasthan.
China
25 dead and 4 missing, all from the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Bangladesh
4 dead.
Avalanches of Mount Everest
This earthquake caused many Avalanches in Mount Everest. At least 19 people died, including Google Executive Dan Fredinburg, with at least 120 others missing or injured.
Measures that need to be taken
What to expect during an earthquake?
- These can last up to several minutes and constitute a natural disaster if its epicentre is near a densely populated area, or its magnitude sufficiently large for the region.
- The ground or floor will move, perhaps violently.
- Whether far away or close to the source, you will probably feel shaking followed by a rolling motion, much like being at sea.
- If you are far away from the source, you might see swaying buildings or hear a roaring sound.
- You may feel dizzy and be unable to walk during the earthquake.
- If you live in a high rise or a multi-storey building, you may experience more sway and less shaking than in a smaller, single-storey building. Lower floors will shake rapidly, much like residential homes. On upper floors, movement will be slower but the building will move farther from side to side.
Before an Earthquake:
- Teach everybody in the family (if they are old enough) how to turn off the water and electricity.
- Clearly label the on-off positions for the water, electricity and gas.
- Repair loose roof shingles.
- Secure water heaters to wall studs or masonry using a bracing kit, to reduce the possibility of the heater falling and rupturing gas and water connections.
- Secure major appliances to walls, such as refrigerators.
- Secure costly and heavy electronics.
- Secure the tops of top-heavy furniture to a wall by anchoring to studs and using flexible fasteners. Keep heavy items on lower shelves.
- Secure expensive or fragile items that if damaged would be a significant loss.
- Affix mirrors, paintings and other hanging objects securely, so they won't fall off hooks.
- Locate beds and chairs away from chimneys and windows. Don't hang heavy pictures and other items over beds. Closed curtains and blinds will help stop broken window glass from falling on beds.
- Put anti-skid pads under TVs, computers and other small appliances, or secure them with Velcro or other such product.
- Use child-proof or safety latches on cupboards to stop contents from spilling out.
- Keep flammable items and household chemicals away from heat and where they are less likely to spill.
During an earthquake:
If you are indoors: “DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON”
If you are indoors: “DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON”
- Drop under heavy furniture such as a table, desk, bed or any solid furniture.
- Cover your head and torso to prevent being hit by falling objects.
- Hold on to the object that you are under so that you remain covered. Be prepared to move with the object until the shaking has finished.
- If you can't get under something strong, or if you are in a hallway, flatten yourself or crouch against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms.
- If you are in a shopping mall, go into the nearest store. Stay away from windows, and shelves with heavy objects.
- If you are at school, get under a desk or table and hold on. Face away from windows.
If you are outdoors:
- Stay outside.
- Go to an open area away from buildings. The most dangerous place is near exterior walls.
- If you are in a crowded public place, take cover where you won't be trampled.
AVOID the following in an earthquake:
- Doorways. Doors may slam shut and cause injuries.
- Windows, bookcases, tall furniture and light fixtures. You could be hurt by shattered glass or heavy objects.
- Elevators. If you are in an elevator during an earthquake, hit the button for every floor and get out as soon as you can.
- Downed power lines – stay at least 10 metres away to avoid injury.
- Coastline. Earthquakes can trigger large ocean waves called tsunamis. If you are near a coastline in a high risk area during a strong earthquake, immediately move inland or to higher ground and remain there until officials declare the area safe.
After an earthquake:
- Stay calm. Help others if you are able.
- Be prepared for aftershocks.
- Listen to the radio or television for information from authorities. Follow their instructions.
- Place corded telephone receivers back in their cradles; only make calls if requiring emergency services.
- Put on sturdy shoes and protective clothing to help prevent injury from debris, especially broken glass.
- Check your home for structural damage and other hazards. If you suspect your home is unsafe, do not re-enter.
- Unplug appliances and broken lights to prevent fire starts when the power is restored.
- Stay away from brick walls and chimneys as they may be damaged or weakened and could collapse during aftershocks. Do not use your fireplace if your chimney has been damaged as a fire may start or gases could be released.
- If you have to leave your home, take your emergency kit and other essential items with you. Post a message in clear view, indicating where you can be found. Do not waste food or water as supplies may be interrupted.
- Do not light matches or turn on light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks or flammable liquids spilled. Use a flashlight to check utilities and do not shut them off unless damaged. Leaking gas will smell like rotten eggs.
Challenges faced by the rescue team
Governments across the globe have deployed emergency assistance following Nepal's deadliest earthquake in nearly a century. But response teams face increasing difficulties as the death toll continues to rise. A team of 45 rescue experts from Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg left on a Belgian military plane on Sunday, bound for Nepal.
"Communication is down in many areas. Widespread destruction, rubble and landslides are preventing access to provide aid in many villages," the Australian Red Cross said in a statement. "Tragically, more bodies are being pulled from collapsed buildings every hour," the statement added.
India, China, and Pakistan were the first to respond following news of the disaster. India deployed two military transport panes, while Pakistan sent two C-130 aircrafts carrying food and essential supplies, including a 30-bed hospital. A 62-member Chinese search and rescue team was also dispatched to Katmandu on Saturday.
The US committed $1 million (0.92 million euros) along with rescue teams, the US Agency for International Development confirmed. Australia and New Zealand pledged more than $4.5 million, while South Korea promised $1 million in humanitarian aid.
Numerous aid groups launched appeals for funds with the charity Christian Aid describing an "urgent need" for emergency shelters, food, clean drinking water, and warm clothing.
"Communication is down in many areas. Widespread destruction, rubble and landslides are preventing access to provide aid in many villages," the Australian Red Cross said in a statement. "Tragically, more bodies are being pulled from collapsed buildings every hour," the statement added.
India, China, and Pakistan were the first to respond following news of the disaster. India deployed two military transport panes, while Pakistan sent two C-130 aircrafts carrying food and essential supplies, including a 30-bed hospital. A 62-member Chinese search and rescue team was also dispatched to Katmandu on Saturday.
The US committed $1 million (0.92 million euros) along with rescue teams, the US Agency for International Development confirmed. Australia and New Zealand pledged more than $4.5 million, while South Korea promised $1 million in humanitarian aid.
Numerous aid groups launched appeals for funds with the charity Christian Aid describing an "urgent need" for emergency shelters, food, clean drinking water, and warm clothing.
Extra Information
Reference Sites
- http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/rthqks-wtd/index-en.aspx#s2://
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_2015_Nepal_earthquake
- www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/25/science-of-earthquakes
- http://www.dw.de/rescue-teams-face-challenge-as-nepal-quake-toll-surpasses-2300/a-18409545
- http://earthsky.org/earth/the-science-behind-the-nepal-earthquake
- https://www.google.ae/search?q=plate+boundary+map+of+nepal+earthquake&espv=2&biw=1134&bih=605&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=005oVbqEBKaAzAOz0oCoCw&sqi=2&ved=0CBsQsAQ#tbm=isch&q=nepal+earthquake
- http://earthquaketrack.com/p/nepal/recent