Nepal is a country that lies on the boundary of two massive tectonic plates: the Indian and the Eurasian plates. These plates are constantly moving and colliding with each other, creating immense pressure and stress along the fault line. When this pressure is released, it causes earthquakes.
Nepal is especially prone to earthquakes because it is located in a region where the Indian plate is subducting under the Eurasian plate, forming the Himalayan mountain range. This subduction zone is one of the most active and dangerous in the world, as it produces large and frequent earthquakes that can devastate the nearby areas.
According to the National Seismological Centre of Nepal, the country has experienced more than 500 major earthquakes since 1255, with some of them causing thousands of deaths and widespread damage. The most recent one occurred on November 3, 2023, with a magnitude of 6.4, killing at least 50 people and injuring hundreds more.
Earthquakes are natural phenomena that cannot be prevented, but their impact can be reduced by taking some precautionary measures, such as:
- Building earthquake-resistant structures and retrofitting old ones
- Having an emergency plan and kit ready
- Following the instructions of the authorities and experts during and after an earthquake
- Supporting the relief and recovery efforts of the affected communities
I hope this answer helps you understand why Nepal is hit by earthquakes frequently.
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