Nepal earthquake, 2015

Question 1

What were the causes of the earthquake?

Answer 1

• In early April 2015, a meeting of geo-scientists was held at Kathmandu.
• They knew pressure was building along the collision boundary where the Indian and Eurasian Plate meet.
• The Indian and Eurasian plates had been converging at a rate of 2 cm/year.
• A century of built up pressure was released.

Question 2

What were the primary consequences of the earthquake?

Answer 2

• Steep slopes became unstable when the earthquake struck, causing landslides.
• The earthquake triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest that killed at least 19 climbers.
• Over 180 buildings reduced to rubble in Kathmandu.
• 8,635 people killed.
• 19,009 people injured.

Question 3

What were the secondary consequences of the earthquake?

Answer 3

• Around 2.8 million people displaced. Thousands in Kathmandu had to sleep outside or if they were lucky in one of the ‘tent cities’.
• Drastic shortage of food, potable water and electricity.
• Estimated $10 billion of damage.

Question 4

What were the short-term responses to the earthquake?

Answer 4

• Nepalese army assisted in rescue and recovery work.
• India and China sent supplies such as food, water and blankets.
• NGOs such as the Red Cross and Oxfam helped the injured and homeless.

Question 5

What were the long-term reponses to the earthquake?

Answer 5

• ‘Cash for work’ projects were set up.
• The UN quickly established the ‘Nepal Earthquake 2015 Flash Appeal’ fund, whose goal was to raise an estimated $415 million.