May 2015 Nepal earthquake: Destruction, fatalities, Rescue and relief

May 2015 Nepal earthquake: Nepal was shaken on May 12, 2015, when a significant earthquake with a moment magnitude of 7.3 occurred at 12:50 pm, 18 kilometres southeast of Kodari. The epicentre was on the frontier between the Nepalese districts of Dolakha and Sindhupalchowk. This earthquake is an aftershock that occurred days after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck on 25 April, but it occurred further east.

Northern India, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, experienced tremors. At a distance of approximately 2,400 kilometres from the epicentre in Chennai, tremors were detected.

Moments later, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake with an epicentre in Ramechhap, east of Kathmandu, struck Nepal. The tremor was felt in Bangladesh, China, and numerous Indian states. Even 1,000 kilometres distant from the Indian capital of New Delhi, buildings shook and office workers evacuated as a result of these earthquakes.

Destruction and fatalities:

The earthquake caused at least 153 deaths and more than 3,200 injuries, primarily in mountainous regions of the northeast. As of May 15, 1,700 individuals continued to receive treatment for their injuries. The tremor affected thirty-two of the nation’s seventy-five districts.

As people fled their buildings in Kathmandu, the city’s streets rapidly filled up. Within hours of the earthquake, open areas of the city were covered with tents because residents were afraid to return inside. Sindhupalchowk, which was also severely affected by the initial earthquake, was among the worst-affected regions. Between the two earthquakes, 95 percent of the region’s homes were devastated. In addition, areas surrounding Mount Everest suffered fresh damage.

In addition to Nepal, the earthquake affected a small portion of neighbouring India. As individuals fled their homes and workplaces, the Delhi Metro service was abruptly interrupted. In India, at least 17 persons were killed by the earthquake. There were sixteen fatalities in Bihar and one in Uttar Pradesh. A woman was slain in the Tibet region of China when her vehicle was struck by falling rocks.

Rescue and relief

Along with the Indian Army, the Nepal Army continued Operation Sankat Mochan to assist the affected population, delivering several tonnes of relief supplies and rescuing stranded individuals.

Amy Vaughan, a geophysicist, subsequently stated that the 12 May earthquake is likely a precursor to future aftershocks. “[Seismic activity] typically declines over the course of days, weeks, and months,” she explained.