Last Saturday, Nepal was struck by a 7.9 magnitude earthquake, leaving more than XNUMX dead in the country and numerous victims in surrounding areas, such as India and Bangladesh. It has been 81 years since an event of such magnitude had been experienced., specifically since 1934, when an earthquake killed 17 people in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. To better understand the seismic history of the region, it is important to consult the earthquake history in the area since 2001.
The Nepal earthquake, according to geologists, It is part of a phenomenon known as the "domino effect" that shapes the continent. This effect results from the buildup and release of tension in the tectonic plates that make up the Earth's crust.
The planet is divided into tectonic plates, on the edges of which are the so-called failuresThe best known of these is the San Andreas Fault, located in western North America, which is increasingly dividing that area of North America. Thanks to the movements of these plates, the layout of our planet is slowly changing, separating continents or creating mountains. However, these shocks can be dangerous for living beings, as they cause earthquakes or tsunamis, depending on the location of the faults. In this context, the Recent seismic activity in Türkiye and Syria It also highlights the need for populations to be prepared.
In the case of the earthquake that occurred in Nepal, it is estimated that it is a result of accumulated stress on the region's fault for centuries. Laurent Bollinger of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission and his team predicted a few weeks ago that a very powerful earthquake would occur right where it finally occurred.
The team of scientists was able to discover the existence of previous tremors by digging trenches along the fault that runs from west to east in Nepal. So far, they have found evidence of seismic tremors in the years 1255, 1344, and most recently in 1934. Because of the likelihood of a pattern, the scientists were concerned about the possibility that new earthquakes may occur, since the one that occurred just a few days ago wasn't powerful enough to completely shatter the ground. Thus, tension could be building again beneath the surface.
Scientific predictions and historical patterns
The massive earthquake that struck Nepal last Saturday, which has left more than 3,000 dead, did not surprise a group of scientists who had been studying seismic movements in the area. According to the BBC, a team led by Laurent Bollinger anticipated that a significant earthquake would occur in the exact location where Saturday's earthquake ultimately occurred. This team had been analyzing seismic movements in the region and had observed patterns indicating that Kathmandu and Pokhara could be exposed to major tremors along the main fault.
- The earthquake of April 25, 2015, follows the pattern of two major tremors that occurred 700 years ago.
- Experts suggest the magnitude 7.8 earthquake was not large enough to fully release the accumulated stress, which could lead to future tremors.
- The accumulated tension on the main fault could result in increased seismic activity in the coming decades.
- Lack of strict building regulations in Nepal has increased the population's vulnerability to earthquakes.
When a large earthquake occurs, it's common for stress to transfer beyond the fault segment where it occurred. This phenomenon was observed in the 1344 earthquake, when the stress that had been accumulating was released in a series of temblors. According to scientists, the recent event also follows a similar pattern, given that stress in the area had been accumulating since the 1934 earthquake. This leads us to reflect on how the himalayan mountain range and its geological characteristics have influenced seismic activity.
The risks of seismic activity in Nepal
The geology of Nepal makes it an area prone to seismic activityThe country's territorial boundaries fit into a part of the Himalayan thrust system, where the reverse faults continue to cause the mountain range to grow. This means the country is in a constant danger zone, with the possibility of major earthquakes as the Indian Plate continues to push and rise beneath the Eurasian Plate.
Previous analyses in the area have shown that the segment of the fault they analyzed had not moved in a long time. Through paleoseismology studies, researchers in the field have tried to predict when the next earthquakes might occur. However, the unpredictable nature of the seismic activity makes it impossible to determine the exact moment when they will occur. This phenomenon has led to constant concern among researchers in the area about future earthquakes.
Thanks to advances in technology, scientists can now track and analyze earthquakes in real time. This was evident during the Nepal earthquake, as the event was tracked in real time by an impressive network of monitoring stations. GPS that recorded the ground movements. During the 70 seconds that the shaking lasted, the stations recorded the activity at a rate of five measurements per second.
The implications of these geological changes are significant, not only for the country, but also for the world. As the Himalayas continue to rise, the population is expected to continue to increase as well. This increases the risk of future disasters unless measures are implemented. stricter building measures and suitable for withstanding large magnitude earthquakes. The experience accumulated after the analysis of other natural disasters must be used to meet this challenge.
Impact on infrastructure and population
Despite the significant damage caused by the earthquake, experts believe it could have been even more devastating. It is estimated that the earthquake left nearly 9,000 dead, but many considered the number could have been much higher, considering the population density and the vulnerability of buildings in the region. This event underscores the need for improve building regulations and disaster preparedness in earthquake-prone areas.
Lessons learned from previous events have led the scientific community to investigate how earthquakes affect geography and fault behavior in real time. Further analysis of seismic activity and its effects on the population and infrastructure is essential for developing better strategies. mitigation strategies against future disasters. In this regard, it is essential to have a continued focus on the impact of himalayan mountain range in seismic activity.
Numerous efforts are currently underway to help rebuild Nepal and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected. The need for a rapid and effective response is crucial, not only to alleviate immediate suffering but also to prepare the population for future seismic events.
