On January 6, 2025, a massive earthquake measuring 7.1 hit the border region between Nepal and Tibet, leaving a trail of destruction and death. Tremors were felt in northern India, particularly in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, causing widespread panic and concern over the region’s preparedness for such disasters.
Seismic Event Details
The earthquake occurred at 6:35 AM IST, and its epicentre was situated approximately 93 km northeast of Lobuche, Nepal, at a depth of 10 km. This shallow depth caused the surrounding areas to experience extreme shaking. The USGS reported that the event resulted from normal faulting within the Tibetan Plateau, an area that is highly seismically active due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Effects on Nepal
The earthquake in Nepal mainly affected the structural frameworks of the places, especially the capital city Kathmandu, and the adjacent regions. Most of the historical monuments, houses, and infrastructure were badly damaged. Rescue teams were immediately deployed to the various disaster areas to assess damage, rescue victims, and offer any necessary aid. National Emergency Operation Center reported many injuries and increasing death toll as rescue efforts continued.
Effects in India
The tremors were strongly felt in different parts of northern India, including:
Bihar: Cities such as Patna, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, and Muzaffarpur experienced noticeable shaking. Residents evacuated buildings, and schools and offices were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
Uttar Pradesh: Districts bordering Nepal reported mild tremors, leading to brief disruptions in daily activities.
Although the earthquakes triggered widespread tremors, there have been no reports of casualties or significant property damage reported by Indian authorities as of now. It is keeping all emergency response teams high alert while monitoring for any delayed impact.
Historical Background
This earthquake is one of the series of seismic activities in the region, with one of the notable ones being the April 2015 Nepal earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8, resulting in a heavy loss of human life and property.
The frequency of earthquakes in the Himalayan region makes continuous monitoring and preparedness essential for mitigating such natural disasters.
Emergency Response and Preparedness
In the aftermath of the earthquake, both Nepalese and Indian authorities have emphasized the need for:
1. Strengthening Infrastructure: Ensuring that buildings and infrastructure are constructed to withstand seismic activities.
2. Public Awareness: Educating citizens on emergency protocols during earthquakes to reduce panic and enhance safety.
3. Resource Allocation: Allocating necessary resources for efficient disaster response and recovery efforts.
