Disaster and Sustainability Management Nepal Earthquake
About Nepal earthquake Date: 25 th April 2015 Magnitude: 7.8 Nepal earthquake (also known as Gorkha earthquake) Killed nearly 9000 people and injured nearly 22000 Triggered an avalanche on mount Everest that killed 19 people first. About 3 week later, an earthquake rocked Nepal
Root causes of the Earthquake
This earthquake occurred as a result of a thrust between the subducting Indian plate and the overriding Eurasian plate to the north . The rupture occurred at a depth of about 15 kilometers below the Earth's surface, with the epicenter located near the village of Barpak in Nepal. At the location of this earthquake, the Indian plate is converging with Eurasian at a rate of 45mm/year toward the north-northeast, driving the uplift of the Himalayas and Tibetan plateau. Causes of the Earthquake
6 Other Causes Poor building quality and construction practices. Limited earthquake resistance building The earthquake struck during Nepal's monsoon season, which led to heavy rains and landslides.
Reduced economic growth: The earthquake is estimated to have reduced Nepal's economic growth by 2-5% in the year following the disaster . Increased government debt: Nepal had to borrow heavily to finance reconstruction efforts, increasing its national debt. Decline in tourist arrivals: The earthquake discouraged tourism, a major source of foreign exchange for Nepal . Loss of agricultural land: Landslides and soil erosion caused by the earthquake damaged agricultural land, reducing crop yields and impacting food security. Damage to transportation networks: Roads, bridges, and airports suffered extensive damage, hindering the movement of goods and people, and disrupting vital supply chains. Impact on countries economy
Dynamic Pressures And Unsafe conditions Fragile Physical Environment: Steep slopes and mountainous terrain Poor drainage systems Unstable soil conditions Proximity to active geological faults High altitude Dangerous Locations: Densely populated settlements Informal settlements on marginal lands Lack of proper zoning and land use planning Essential infrastructure in high-risk zones Unprotected Buildings and Infrastructure: Widespread use of unreinforced masonry (URM) construction Non-compliance with building codes Poor quality construction materials and techniques Limited access to retrofitting and strengthening programs Fragile Local Institutions: Limited capacity for disaster preparedness and response Weak communication infrastructure Lack of community-based disaster risk reduction initiatives Inadequate post-disaster recovery planning Local Market and Socioeconomic Factors: Limited economic resources for disaster mitigation Limited access to insurance and financial safety nets Social inequalities and vulnerabilities
Impact of the earthquake on heritage sites of Nepal Kathmandu's Durbar Sq was where the city's kings were once crowned and legitimised , and from where they ruled (durbar means palace). As such, the square remains the traditional heart of the old town and Kathmandu's most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture
Swayumbhunath stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises. Swayambhu literally means "self-existent one". Believed to date back to 460 A.D., it was built by King Manadeva and by the 13th century, it had become an important center of Buddhism. Before After Impact of the earthquake on heritage sites of Nepal -Continued
11 The Nepal earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the importance of disaster risk reduction. By addressing the root causes, dynamic pressures, and unsafe conditions, communities can become more resilient and prepared for future disasters. This includes : Promoting sustainable land management practices to reduce environmental vulnerabilities. Some of the techniques that can be used to make buildings more earthquake-resistant include making them more flexible, building them on Teflon so they can move with the shock, and using inflated, rubber, or fluid-filled bases to absorb shock. For example: The Tokyo Skytree is designed to withstand earthquakes by mimicking the shape of ancient wooden pagodas. Strengthening governance and institutions to improve disaster response and recovery capabilities. Developing effective early warning systems and evacuation plans to ensure timely warnings and safe evacuation of communities . Nat Cat insurance and reinsurance facilities should be sought after. Lessons Learnt and Road Ahead