On October 3, 2023, Nepal and northern India were jolted by various earthquakes, igniting worries about the region’s seismic weakness. Over the years, it has endured the wrath of numerous earthquakes, each leaving a trail of destruction and testing the resilience of its people.
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The first earthquake, estimating 4.6 on the Richter scale, struck Nepal at 2:25 pm local time on October 3, 2023. It began at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Inside thirty minutes, a more powerful earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.2, rocked Nepal at 2:51 pm local time, reaching a depth of 5 kilometers. These two back-to-back earthquakes were the most significant events of the day but not the only ones.
Two additional earthquakes, estimating 3.6 and 3.1 on the Richter scale, followed at 3:06 pm and 3:19 pm, at depths of 15 kilometers and 10 kilometers. These earthquakes added to the feeling of anxiety in the region.
The effect of these earthquakes was felt in Nepal as well as in northern India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand.
Occupants here reported strong tremors that lasted for over a minute, causing panic and prompting many to evacuate buildings. The Delhi Police gave an alert, encouraging individuals to remain calm and elevators during the tremors.
The region’s vulnerability to seismic activity was underscored once again as people rushed to safety, aware of the potential dangers associated with earthquakes.
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Luckily, as of the hour of composing this article, there have been no reports of casualties or critical harm in Nepal or northern India.
However, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the constant threat posed by seismic events in this part of the world.
Nepal and northern India are situated in one of the most seismically active regions globally, referred to as Seismic Zone IV and V.
This high level of tectonic activity is primarily attributed to the convergence of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which have been responsible for the formation of the Himalayan mountain ranges over millions of years.
Over the past 700 years, this region has experienced increasing tectonic stress, which periodically leads to the release of energy in the form of earthquakes.
According to seismologists, this energy release can occur either promptly or over an extended period, making it challenging to predict the precise timing of significant earthquakes.
The April 25, 2015, tremor in Nepal, with a magnitude of 7.8, serves in as a piercing illustration of the staggering outcomes that can result from these seismic events.
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It killed over 8,000 individuals and left more than 21,000 injured. The scars from this shocking event still linger, reminding us of the need for preparedness and vigilance in earthquake-prone regions.
The quakes from the twin tremors were not restricted to Nepal; they additionally resonated through the adjoining regions.
In the Indian capital, New Delhi, strong quakes were felt, making individuals rush out of their workplaces and homes. The tremors reached as far as Chandigarh and Jaipur, causing momentary panic. However, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties in India.
India, too, lies in a seismically active region, especially in the northern parts of the country. The government has taken steps to enhance earthquake preparedness, including strengthening building codes, conducting drills, and raising public awareness.
The government of Nepal, with support from international organizations, has been working on earthquake-resistant building techniques and retrofitting older structures to withstand seismic activity. The promotion of earthquake-resistant construction materials and techniques has been a key focus.
Nepal has also invested in early warning systems that can provide advance notice of impending earthquakes. These systems can give people precious seconds or minutes to take cover and prepare for the shaking.
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