Dynamite News Nepal: 6.1 Magnitude earthquake near Kathmandu
Nepal lies in one of the most active tectonic zones (Seismic zones IV and V), making the country extremely vulnerable to earthquakes. A must read on Dynamite News:
Kathmandu: A strong earthquake of 6.1 magnitude was felt near Nepal’s Kathmandu early Friday morning.
However, there was no immediate report of any damage or causality from the earthquake.
An earthquake measuring 6.1 Magnitude in Richter scale was recorded along Kodari Highway in Sindhupalchowk district, 65 km East of Kathmandu at 2.51 am, according to National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre.
The Earthquake was felt in and around Kathmandu valley.
Nepal lies in one of the most active tectonic zones (Seismic zones IV and V), making the country extremely vulnerable to earthquakes.
The worst quake the Himalayan nation has so far witnessed was in 2015 during which a 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed more than 9,000 people and damaged over 1 million structures.
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Nepal’s High Seismic Risk
Nepal sits in one of the world’s most active seismic zones—classified as Seismic Zones IV and V—making earthquakes a constant threat. The country lies on a tectonic boundary where the Indian plate pushes into the Eurasian plate at a rate of about 5 cm per year.
This movement not only lifts the Himalayan mountains but also generates immense stress beneath the Earth’s surface. When the accumulated stress exceeds the strength of the rocks, it is released as an earthquake, which explains frequent seismic activity in Nepal and the surrounding Himalayan region.
Nepal’s geology, composed of young and unstable rock formations, amplifies earthquake impacts. Additionally, the high population density in urban areas like Kathmandu and unregulated construction practices significantly increase the risk of casualties and damage.
The country has a devastating history of earthquakes, most notably the 2015 earthquake, which measured 7.8 magnitude, killed more than 9,000 people, and left over a million buildings damaged or destroyed. Given this history, even moderate quakes raise concerns about aftershocks and long-term structural damage.
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Authorities Urge Caution
Authorities have advised residents to stay alert for potential aftershocks, as secondary tremors are common after major seismic events. Nepal’s disaster response teams are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates are expected as assessments continue.
The German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) recorded the earthquake at a slightly lower magnitude of 5.6 and at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles), highlighting potential variations in seismic readings.
Regardless of the exact magnitude, the event serves as a stark reminder of Nepal’s vulnerability to earthquakes and the ongoing need for preparedness and disaster resilience.