Kathmandu, Jan. 7: Between mid-December 2024 and the first week of January 2025, a total of ten earthquakes with richter magnitudes of 4 or higher were registered in Nepal,essentially within the western region, with one or two identified within the east.
Earthquake in Nepal: A Growing Concern
Nepal, a landlocked country in the Himalayas, is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and resilient people. However, its geographical position along the boundary of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates makes it prone to frequent seismic activity. Recently, experts have issued warnings about the heightened risk of a major earthquake in Nepal, particularly in Western Nepal, as seismic activity has increased in the region.
According to Chinese authorities, a powerful earthquake that occurred close to one of Tibet’s holiest cities has killed at least 126 people and injured over 200 more.
The epicenter of the magnitude 6.8 earthquake was located roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. Buildings in India, Bhutan, and neighboring Nepal were also rocked by tremors on Tuesday.
Seismologists warn that this could be an indicator that Western Nepal will become the epicentre of a large earthquake at any time.
The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre (NEMRC), Lainchaur, Kathmandu, verifies that the first of the above-mentioned tremors struck Bajhang on December 17, followed by another in the same area on December 18. Since then, seismic activity has been reported in districts such as Manang, Bajura, Darchula, Jajarkot, Baitadi, Mugu, and Sindhupalchok.
Seismologists say the increased frequency of seismic activity in Western Nepal has generated worries among researchers and the general public, emphasizing the importance of being prepared in the case of a severe quake.
The Research Center’s Senior Divisional Seismologist, Dr. Lok Bijaya Adhikari, stated that these 4.8 to 5.0 magnitude earthquakes are not strong enough to do major harm. As a consequence, the earthquakes were only felt in locations around the epicenter.
Dr Adhikari said that Nepal records an average of 10 earthquakes every day.
“Given the number of seismic tremors that happen in Nepal amid the year, the innovation accessible here records a normal of 10 seismic tremors each day,” he clarified. “Our innovation can record seismic tremors of greatness 2 or more noteworthy, but there are numerous littler seismic tremors that are not recorded.
While the Center records earthquakes of magnitude 2 or greater, it only makes public earthquakes of magnitude 4 or greater, according to Dr. Adhikari.
“Simply put, visiting seismic tremors in Nepal demonstrate the nearness of seismic action within the western region,” he said. “Small seismic tremors discharge less vitality, whereas huge seismic tremors discharge more energy.”
According to seismologists, there are seven major tectonic plates on Earth, all of which are in constant motion. When these tectonic plates collide, earthquakes occur. The most seismic activity occurs where two tectonic plates meet.
Dr. Adhikari said the quake had not significantly dispersed the vast amount of energy stored underground in western Nepal. “This earthquake was only moderate in magnitude and did not release the energy stored underground,” he explained. Dr. Adhikari added that this earthquake was not an aftershock of the 2015 Gorkha earthquake.
Seismologists classify earthquakes with magnitudes below 6 as small, earthquakes with magnitudes between 6 and 7 as medium, and earthquakes with magnitudes between 7 and 8 as large. Earthquakes with a magnitude of 8 are classified as megathrusts. According to Dr. Adhikari, the energy capable of causing a major earthquake is still stored beneath western Nepal, and the recent earthquake played a negligible role in releasing that energy. Therefore, the risk of a major earthquake in western Nepal remains possible at any time.
Western Nepal has not experienced a major earthquake in more than 500 years. The last major earthquake recorded in the region occurred in 1505 AD. Although there is no detailed data on its impact, the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates suggests the possibility of an earthquake of magnitude greater than 8 in western Nepal.
Risks Persist in Kathmandu Valley and Surrounding Areas
Although Western Nepal faces a heightened threat, the Kathmandu Valley and nearby areas are not exempt from risk. Dr. Bharat Prasad Koirala, a senior seismologist, emphasized that significant seismic energy beneath Kathmandu’s southern region remains unreleased. “The 2015 Gorkha earthquake discharged energy over a 150 km stretch from Gorkha to Dolakha and Ramechhap, yet substantial energy remains trapped beneath the southern areas of Kathmandu,” he explained. This unresolved energy highlights the persistent danger of another major earthquake in Nepal.
Koirala clarified that although the energy should have ideally been released along the Chure range, a considerable amount of it is still trapped beneath the area south of Kathmandu.
Rebuilding and Rehabilitation: A Continuing Effort
The 2025 earthquake has once again highlighted the need for resilient infrastructure and preparedness. Rebuilding efforts are underway, focusing on constructing earthquake-resistant homes and public buildings. The lessons learned from the 2015 earthquake are being applied to ensure that new constructions can withstand future seismic events.
Kathmandu and the surrounding area are still at risk of earthquakes due to the accumulation of energy.
Lessons Learned and Future Preparedness
The 2025 earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience. Nepal has made significant strides in building a robust disaster management framework, but there is still work to be done. Early warning systems, community-based disaster risk reduction programs, and public awareness campaigns are crucial in mitigating the impact of future earthquakes.
Schools and educational institutions continue to include earthquake drills and disaster preparedness training in their curriculum. The focus on education aims to instill a culture of preparedness from a young age. Furthermore, the government has strengthened building codes and regulations to ensure that new constructions can withstand seismic shocks.
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