EARTHQUAKE

Earthquake is one of the worst natural hazards which often turns into
disaster causing by widespread destruction and loss of human. The
effect of earthquake depends upon the magnitude and intensity.
Earthquake is the result of for sudden release of energy in the earth crust
that creates seismic waves.

Terms Related to Earthquake:

✓ Focus (Hypocenter):

Focus is the point on the fault where rupture occurs and the location
from which seismic waves are released.

✓ Epicenter:

Epicenter is the point on the earth’s surface that is directly above the
focus, the point where an earthquake or underground explosion
originates.

✓ Seismic waves:

The seismic activity of the area refers to the frequency, type and
size of the earthquakes experience over a period of time.
Scientists measure the strength of earthquakes using machines
known as seismographs. is the scientific study of earthquakes
Seismology and the propagation of elastic waves through the
Earth.
 Waves produced due to Earthquake Seismic waves produced
due to earthquake are basically divided into two major types:
Body waves And Surface waves.

✓ Body waves:

Body waves travels through the interior(body) of earth as they leave

the focus.

The are further divided into:

• Primary (P) waves
• Secondary(S) waves

✓ Surface Wave:

Surface waves travels parallel to the earth’s surface and these waves
are slowest and most damaging.

They are further divided into:

• Love waves
• Rayleigh waves

Major earthquakes observed in Nepal in recent times

Earthquake frequently occurs in Nepal. Every year more than
50 earthquakes happens in Nepal as reported by Nepal
seismological Department, but most of them are of small
magnitude. The major earthquake of Nepal includes Gorkha
earthquake.
 Project on Gorkha Earthquake:

Introduction:

On April 25, 2015, a massive earthquake, known as the Gorkha

earthquake, struck Nepal, causing widespread devastation and
loss of life. The earthquake measured 7.8 on the Richter scale,
and its epicenter was in the Gorkha district, located
approximately 80 km northwest of the capital city, Kathmandu.
The earthquake had a profound impact on Nepal, killing over
9,000 people, injuring thousands more, and leaving millions
homeless.

Impact:

The Gorkha earthquake caused extensive damage to buildings,

infrastructure, and cultural heritage sites. The earthquake's
impact was felt throughout Nepal, with the worst-hit areas
being the central and western regions. The earthquake also
caused avalanches on Mount Everest, resulting in the deaths of
19 people. The earthquake triggered landslides and blocked
roads, making it difficult for rescue and relief efforts to reach
affected areas. Many remote villages were completely cut off
from the outside world, with no access to food, water, or
medical supplies.
Response:

The Nepalese government, along with various international

organizations and foreign governments, launched a massive
relief effort to provide emergency aid to those affected by the
earthquake. Search and rescue teams were deployed to search
for survivors trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
Aid workers distributed food, water, and medical supplies to
those in need. Temporary shelters were set up to provide a safe
place for those who lost their homes.
Reconstruction:

The reconstruction effort following the Gorkha earthquake has

been slow and challenging. The Nepalese government has faced
numerous challenges, including a lack of resources, political
instability, and corruption. Many people are still living in
temporary shelters, and reconstruction of damaged buildings,
roads, and infrastructure has been delayed. The earthquake also
highlighted the need for better building codes and earthquake-
resistant construction practices in Nepal.

Conclusion:

The Gorkha earthquake was a tragic event that had a profound

impact on Nepal. The response to the earthquake demonstrated
the resilience and strength of the Nepalese people, as well as the
generosity and compassion of the international community.
However, much work remains to be done to rebuild Nepal and
ensure that the country is better prepared for future disasters.

References:
Seismonepal.gov.np
nset.org.np
worldvision.org

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