Nepal, located in a seismically active region, has experienced several earthquakes in recent years, causing significant damage and loss of life. One of the most devastating earthquakes struck on April 25, 2015, with a magnitude of 7.8. This earthquake, known as the Gorkha Earthquake, claimed nearly 9,000 lives, injured thousands, and destroyed countless homes, cultural heritage sites, and infrastructure. Its powerful aftershocks, including a 7.3 magnitude tremor on May 12, 2015, further deepened the crisis.In November 2023, western Nepal experienced another significant earthquake. On November 3, 2023, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Jajarkot district in Karnali Province, killing over 150 people and injuring hundreds. This earthquake damaged homes, schools, and public buildings, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to seismic events. Rescue efforts were hampered by difficult terrain and poor infrastructure.These recent earthquakes serve as stark reminders of Nepal’s vulnerability due to its location along the Indo-Eurasian tectonic plate boundary. Most earthquakes in Nepal are caused by the ongoing collision between these plates, resulting in stress build-up and sudden releases. Rural areas, where buildings are poorly constructed, suffer the most during such disasters.In response, Nepal has been working on earthquake preparedness, promoting safer construction practices, and raising public awareness. However, challenges remain in ensuring resilient infrastructure, especially in remote areas. Continuous monitoring, timely response, and community-level preparedness are essential to reduce future earthquake risks and protect lives. With its mountainous terrain and densely populated valleys, Nepal must prioritize disaster risk reduction to safeguard its citizens.
