Hazardous Earth LIC Case Study: Nepal Earthquake 2015 Flashcards
Describe the earthquake in Nepal
In April 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal, followed by several severe aftershocks after. The first earthquake’s epicentre was Kathmandu
Why was the earthquake felt strongly?
It originated 15km below the surface
What are some primary impacts from the earthquake?
9000 dead
20000 injured
8 million affected (1/3 of Nepal’s population)
3 million homeless
7000 schools and 50% of shops destroyed
Power, water and communications severely affected
Damage of $5 billion
Historical sites and landmarks damaged or destroyed.
What are the secondary impacts from the earthquake?
Landslides and avalanches triggered by ground shaking, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, blocking roads and trapping people under snow and rubble.
Avalanches killed 19 and left hundreds missing.
Landslides blocked rivers, and many were evacuated in case of flooding.
No tsunami :/
How did Nepal get aid?
There was no aid sent to the location 12 hours after the incident due to the location being isolated and having poor transport links, which made it difficult for aid to get to the area.
International aid arrived within a few days from UK, India and China, bringing search and rescue, medical support and essential supplies.
Nepal relied heavily on international aid as it did not have the funds.
What are some short term relief in Nepal?
International aid arrived within a few days from UK, India and China, bringing search and rescue, medical support and essential supplies.
£87 million was raised by donations.
Half a million tents were provided, many from UNIVEF. these provided temporary shelter, classrooms and healthcare facilities.
Field hospitals set up.
China sent a 62 person search and rescue team.
Helicopters used for search, rescue and supply distribution.
Social media was used for communication.
How strictly does Nepal plan for earthquakes?
In 2015, there was no earthquake planning in Nepal.
Programmes have been set up on a community level to teach people how to respond to earthquakes.
What is rebuilding like?
Buildings are being made more resistant to earthquakes, while being able to preserve the unique heritage of the area. Many are being rebuild as one storey buildings which is not appropriate for larger families.
How was the community a part of long term planning?
The community played a role in rebuilding, education and hazard response training.
Community-led planting of vegetative barriers to stabilise hillslopes and reduce risk of landslides also took place.
What was the long term planning like?
The chance of an earthquake occurring can be calculated using historical data and modelling. A large earthquake was already overdue in Nepal in before 2015 but there were no effective strategies to prepare.
How is the risk of landslides and glacial flooding handled?
They can be predicted to identify high risk areas. Authorities have issues with implementing building restrictions as they are usually ignored.
