‘STUDY OF GORKHA EARTHQUAKE IN

2015 A.D.’
A PROJECT WORK SUBMITTED FOR THE PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR
GRADE 12 SCIENCE IN PHYSICS.
By: Carol Lama

Grade 12 ‘Archimedes’
2080 B.S

Hetauda School of Management and Social

Sciences National Education Board (NEB)
Hetauda, Makawanpur, Nepal
Submitted Date: 10th Mangsir, 2080

i
 CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL

The project entitled “STUDY OF GORKHA EARTHQUAKE IN 2015

A.D.” by Carol Lama, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer,
Subash Adhikari, Hetauda School of Management and Social Sciences,
Nepal is hereby submitted for the partial fulfillment of the requirement of
Physics in Grade 12. This project work has not been submitted in any
other school or institution previously for Grade 12.

- -

Supervisor Head of the Department

Assistant Lecturer, Coordinator,
Subash Adhikari Min Rana

Department of Physics Department of Physics

Hetauda School of Management Hetauda School of Management

and Social Sciences and Social Sciences

ii
 RECOMMENDATION LETTER

This is to certify that the project work entitled “STUDY OF GORKHA

EARTHQUAKE IN 2015 A.D.” has been carried out by Carol Lama as a
partial fulfillment of Grade 12 in Physics under my supervision. To the
best of knowledge, this work has not been submitted to any other purpose
in this institute. I, therefore recommend the project work for appraisal.

Supervisor (Signature)

Assistant Lecturer, Subash Adhikari

Department of Physics

Hetauda School of Management and Social Sciences

Hetauda 4, Makawanpur

Date: 10th Mangsir, 2080

iii
 DECLARATION

I , Carol Lama hereby declare that the project entitled “STUDY OF

GORKHA EARTHQUAKE IN 2015 A.D.” under the supervision of
Assistant Lecturer, Subash Adhikari, Hetauda School of Management
and Social Sciences, Hetauda, Nepal presented herein is genuine work
done originally by me and has not been published or submitted elsewhere
for the requirement of any degree program. Any literature, data or works
done by others and cited in this project work has been given due
acknowledgement and listed in the reference section.

- Carol Lama

Grade: 12

Section: Archimedes

Email address: [email protected]

Date: 10th Mangsir, 2080

iv
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my Physics

teacher Mr. Subash Adhikari / Dev Bahadur Chand / Tulasi Rai / Manoj
Neupane / Min Rana for their guidance and support in completing my
project.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to Principal Sir, Puran

Bahadur Joshi and Vice Principal Sir, Ram Pandit Khanal for providing
me with all the facilities required.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to my family for providing

me with all the facilities required.

DATE: (08/10/2080) Carol Lama

Grade 12,

Archimedes
 v

Abstract

The Gorkha earthquake of 2015 stands as one of the most significant seismic events
in recent history, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, human settlements, and
landscapes in Nepal and its neighboring regions. This study aims to comprehensively
assess the impacts of the earthquake, analyze the emergency response efforts, and
derive lessons for future disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.

The seismic event triggered widespread devastation, including the collapse of

buildings, landslides, and the destruction of cultural heritage sites. The study employs
a multi-faceted approach, incorporating data from seismic monitoring, satellite
imagery, field surveys, and post-disaster reports to quantify the extent of the damage.
It examines the socio-economic repercussions on affected communities, focusing on
vulnerable populations, and evaluates the effectiveness of immediate relief and long-
term recovery measures.

Additionally, the research explores the international community's collaborative efforts

in providing humanitarian aid and support to Nepal during the aftermath of the
earthquake. It identifies strengths and weaknesses in the coordination of relief efforts,
shedding light on areas that require improvement for future disaster responses.

The study concludes with a synthesis of lessons learned from the Gorkha earthquake,
emphasizing the importance of resilient urban planning, community-based disaster
preparedness, and international cooperation in addressing the complex challenges
posed by seismic events. By understanding the dynamics of the Gorkha earthquake
and its aftermath, this research contributes valuable insights to the broader field of
disaster management and encourages proactive measures to enhance global resilience
to seismic hazards. This physics project focuses on analyzing the seismic activity and
structural response during the Gorkha earthquake that struck Kathmandu, Nepal, in
2015. The study aims to understand the impact of the earthquake on buildings and
infrastructure, investigate the factors contributing to the damage, and propose
potential mitigation strategies for future seismic events. By examining the seismic
waves, structural dynamics, and building design principles, this project aims to
provide valuable insights into the physics of earthquakes and their effects on urban
areas.

vi
 LIST OF TABLE
Table 1: Summary of Casualties and Damage Due to the Gorkha
Earthquake.................................................................................................9

LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 1: Areas affected by the Gorkha seismic sequence...................13
Figure 2: Satellite imagery of Eathquake affected area………………..13

vii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page......................................................................................................................i
Certificate of Approval................................................................................................ii
Recommendation Letter...............................................................................................iii
Declaration...................................................................................................................iv
Acknowledgement........................................................................................................v
Abstract.......................................................................................................................vi
List of tables / List of figures.....................................................................................vii

Chapter I: Introduction..............................................................................................1

1.1 Background of the study..........................................................................................1

1.2 Statement of a problem............................................................................................2
1.3 Objective of Study....................................................................................................3
1.4 Limitation of Study..................................................................................................4

Chapter II: Magnitude and Intensity.........................................................................6

2.1 Magnitude and Intensity….......................................................................................6

2.2 Cause…....................................................................................................................7

Chapter III: Materials and Methodology…............................................................8

3.1 Study Design..........................................................................................................8

3.2 Sampling site and Sampling tools and technique...................................................8
3.3 Data Collection Methods and data analysis...........................................................9

Chapter IV: Result and Discussion...........................................................................11

4.1 Results and Discussions........................................................................................11

Chapter V: Conclusion..............................................................................................14
5.1 Findings and Conclusion........................................................................................14
5.2 Future direction…………………………………………………………………...15

References...................................................................................................................17
 1

Chapter I: Introduction
1.1. Background of the study

The Gorkha earthquake, which struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, was a seismic
catastrophe that left an indelible mark on the Himalayan nation and its
neighboring regions. With its epicenter in the Gorkha district of Nepal, the
earthquake measured 7.8 in magnitude, making it one of the most powerful
earthquakes to hit the region in decades. The repercussions of this devastating
event were far-reaching, causing widespread destruction, loss of life, and
triggering a complex humanitarian crisis.
Nepal, situated in a seismically active zone due to the collision of the Indian and
Eurasian tectonic plates, has long been susceptible to earthquakes. The Gorkha
earthquake, however, stood out for its intensity and the profound impact it had on
the country's landscape, communities, and cultural heritage. The earthquake's
shallow depth amplified its destructive potential, leading to violent ground
shaking and resulting in the collapse of poorly constructed buildings,
infrastructure, and historical monuments.
The epicenter, located approximately 77 kilometers northwest of the capital city,
Kathmandu, placed densely populated areas at significant risk. The earthquake
caused extensive damage to urban centers, villages, and remote mountainous
regions, exacerbating the challenges of rescue and relief operations. Notably,
historic sites like Durbar Square in Kathmandu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
suffered severe damage, affecting Nepal's rich cultural heritage.
The human toll of the Gorkha earthquake was immense, with thousands losing
their lives, and many more sustaining injuries. The earthquake's impact was not
limited to Nepal alone, as its tremors were felt in neighboring countries, including
India, Tibet, and Bangladesh, further amplifying the scale of the disaster.
The aftermath of the Gorkha earthquake prompted a swift and coordinated
international response. Countries, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and
global agencies rallied to provide humanitarian aid, rescue teams, and financial
assistance to support Nepal in coping with the immediate crisis and initiating the
long and arduous process of recovery and reconstruction.
This seismic event served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved
earthquake preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and effective disaster response
mechanisms in seismically active regions. The Gorkha earthquake of 2015, with
its profound impact on Nepal, spurred initiatives for rebuilding, resilience, and
international cooperation in the face of natural disasters.

1.2 Statement of the Problems

The Gorkha earthquake in 2015 A.D. case study offers a moving analysis of
the significant effects that natural catastrophes can have on an area,
highlighting the significance of comprehending, anticipating, and reacting to
seismic events. With its epicenter in Nepal's Gorkha district, this earthquake
event not only caused considerable infrastructure damage and human
casualties but also exposed weaknesses in the systems in place for disaster
preparedness and response. The research explores the geological and
geographical elements that contributed to the earthquake, examines the short-
and long-term effects on Nepal and its surrounding nations, and evaluates the
success of national and international response initiatives.

Additionally, the case study examines the lessons that can be drawn from this
catastrophe, highlighting the necessity of better early warning systems, robust
infrastructure and community participation in disaster readiness. Through an
analysis of the Gorkha earthquake, this case study adds significant knowledge
to the field of disaster management and emphasizes the need of strengthening
resilience in areas that are
 3

susceptible to earthquakes in order to lessen the effects of subsequent seismic

events. This seismic event exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure, highlighted
shortcomings in disaster preparedness and response, and underscored the need for
comprehensive strategies to mitigate the socio-economic and cultural
repercussions of such disasters.

1.3 Objective of study

The primary objective of the case study on the Gorkha earthquake in

2015 A.D. is to comprehensively analyze and understand the various
aspects of this seismic event, shedding light on its causes, immediate
impact, response mechanisms, and the subsequent recovery and
reconstruction efforts. The specific objectives include:

1) To investigate the geological causes of the Gorkha

earthquake, such as the tectonic plate movements and the
Main Himalayan Thrust fault rupture.
2) Examine the earthquake's effects on Nepal and the
surrounding areas from a social, economic, and environmental
standpoint, paying particular attention to the loss of cultural
heritage, infrastructure damage, and human casualties.
3) Examine the success of the national and international
response initiatives, such as medical assistance, search and
rescue operations, and emergency response.
4) Determine and record the lessons that can be applied to the Gorkha
earthquake, with a focus on enhancing early warning systems,
community involvement, and disaster preparedness.
5) Provide analysis and suggestions that can be used to improve
future plans for disaster response and preparedness, not just
in Nepal but also in other areas vulnerable to seismic activity.
 4

6) Raise public awareness about earthquake risks and promote

resilience at the community level through the dissemination
of research findings, educational materials, and
recommendations for policy-makers and practitioners.

By accomplishing these goals, the case study hopes to provide insightful

knowledge and insights that can guide practical disaster management

1.4 Limitation of study

Every research study has its limitations, and it's essential to acknowledge
these constraints to provide a transparent understanding of the scope and
potential biases. The limitations of study are the number of respondents
is limited; hence results may not be fully representative. There is also the
use of historical data and there is lack of data and consistent measure of
quality assurance.
In the case of a study on the Gorkha earthquake of 2015, some
limitations might include:

1) Data availability and quality

2) Only academic study

3) There is time constraint so it may not covers all information

4) The data is collected from internet

5) The study only covers the duration of 15 days.

6) Project is based on secondary data

7) Only academic study

8) There is time constraint so it may not covers all information

 5

9) The data is collected from internet

10) The study only covers the duration of 15 days.

11) Project is based on secondary data

 6

Chapter II: Magnitude and

Intensity

2.1 Magnitude and Intensity

The 2015 Nepal earthquake had a moment magnitude (Mw) of 7.8.

Magnitude is a measure of the total energy released by an earthquake,
calculated based on the amplitude of seismic waves recorded on
seismographs. The moment magnitude scale is commonly used for larger
earthquakes as it provides a more accurate estimation of the earthquake's
size.
Intensity, on the other hand, refers to the effects of an earthquake at specific
locations and is related to the level of ground shaking and damage observed. In
the case of the 2015 Nepal earthquake, the intensity varied across different
regions, with the highest intensity observed in the areas closest to the epicenter.
The MMI scale ranges from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction), providing a
description of the observed effects at different locations. In Kathmandu, the
capital city of Nepal, the intensity of the earthquake was estimated to be around
VIII on the MMI scale. This corresponds to significant damage to buildings,
particularly older structures, and the potential for collapse in some cases.
The shaking was felt over a wide area, leading to panic and the displacement of a
large number of people. In more remote and rural areas closer to the epicenter,
the intensity was even higher, reaching IX or even X on the MMI scale. In these
areas, the earthquake caused widespread devastation, with many villages and
communities experiencing severe damage and loss of life.
It's important to note that while magnitude provides an objective measure of the
earthquake's energy release, intensity reflects the subjective experiences and
damage observed at specific locations.
 7

2.2 Causes
The main factors contributing to the earthquake are as follows:
1. Tectonic Plate Boundaries: Nepal sits on the boundary between two massive
tectonic plates: the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. These plates are
converging, meaning they are moving towards each other at a rate of about 45
millimeters per year.
2. Main Himalayan Thrust Fault: The convergence between the Indian Plate and
the Eurasian Plate has resulted in the creation of the Main Himalayan Thrust
fault. This fault accommodates the horizontal movement of the plates and is
responsible for the majority of earthquakes in the region.
3. Built-up Strain: Over time, the ongoing convergence of the Indian and
Eurasian Plates causes strain to accumulate along the Main Himalayan Thrust
fault. This strain arises from the plates' continuous movement and the resistance
encountered as they interact with each other.
4. Rupture and Release of Strain: In April 2015, the accumulated strain along
the fault line reached a critical point, exceeding the strength of the rocks. This
led to the sudden rupture of the fault, resulting in a massive release of energy in
the form of seismic waves, triggering the earthquake.
It's important to note that earthquakes are natural geological events caused by
the movement of tectonic plates, and they can occur in various parts of the world
where plate boundaries exist.
 8

Chapter III: Materials and Methodology

3.1 Study Design
This study has been conducted through many research designs. The study
mainly focuses on the earthquake occurred in 2015A.D. It studies about
the cause of the earthquake and type the seismic wave occurred in that
earthquake. It also studies about the cultural and building destruction in
the earthquake. This study about the intensity and magnitude of the
earthquake.

3.2 Sampling site and sampling tools and technique

This earthquake did damage to many infrastructure, cultural heritages

and the life of the people. The data was collected with the help of
secondary sources through library, visiting official sites in internet,
consulting with seniors, local authorities and expert. While collecting
data from secondary sources we mainly focused on cause, effect and
information about the earthquake occurred in 2015A.D in Gorkha.

3.3 Data Collection Methods and data analysis

The choice of data collection methods and data analysis techniques in

a study on the Gorkha earthquake, or any research topic, depends on
the research questions, objectives, and the nature of the data. Various
tools are used in this study wide varieties of methodology have been
applied according to the responsibility abs consistency of data. A
stepwise approach has been applied in the evaluation and screening of
the earthquake occurred in 2015A.D. A number of hydropower
projects areas district and sub district were identified with the help of
internet, visiting library, taking the references from many books and
the websites of articles on the earthquake of 2015 in Gorkha. The
number of possible data was collected by visiting the official sites
which is the core part of the research work. The video was seen from
favorable sites of different seminars conducted in past day with the
close contact with central authorities.
This is an analytical chapter, where an attempt has been made to analyze
and evaluate the data collected and convert them into an understandable
form. To analyze the data collected various presentation and
interpretation are done in order too fulfill the objective of this study.

Table 1: Summary of Casualties and Damage Due to the Gorkha

Earthquake
.
 10

Source: Modified from Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) Nepal, 2011.

 The earthquake resulted in a significant loss of life. Thousands of people lost

their lives, and many more were injured.
 The casualties were widespread across various regions of Nepal, affecting both
urban and rural areas.
 Many people sustained injuries, ranging from minor to severe, requiring
medical attention and rehabilitation.
 The earthquake caused widespread displacement, with numerous individuals
and families losing their homes and seeking shelter in temporary camps.
 The earthquake caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including residential
buildings, schools, hospitals, and historical monuments.
 In urban areas, the collapse of poorly constructed buildings contributed
significantly to the overall damage.
 Nepal is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and several of
these sites suffered severe damage during the earthquake.
 Iconic structures, such as the Dharahara Tower and historic temples in the
Kathmandu Valley, were either completely or partially destroyed.
 The earthquake led to a humanitarian crisis, with a shortage of essential
supplies, medical assistance, and temporary shelters for those affected.
 International aid and relief efforts were mobilized to support the Nepalese
government in addressing the immediate needs of the affected population.

The information provided here is based on data available up to my last training

cut-off in January 2022. For the most up-to-date and comprehensive
information, you may want to refer to more recent sources or official reports
from organizations involved in earthquake response and recovery efforts in
Nepal.
 11

Chapter IV: Result and Discussions

4.1 Results and Discussions

The 2015 Nepal earthquake had significant and far-reaching consequences, resulting
in extensive damage, loss of life, and long-term socio-economic impacts. Here are
some key results and analysis of the earthquake:

a. Casualties and Loss of Life: The earthquake resulted in a high number of casualties.
According to official figures, more than 8,000 people lost their lives, and tens of
thousands were injured. The impact was particularly severe in densely populated
areas, including Kathmandu and surrounding regions.

b. Damage to Infrastructure: The earthquake caused widespread damage to

infrastructure, including buildings, roads, bridges, and cultural heritage sites. Many
houses, especially older structures, were unable to withstand the shaking, leading to
their collapse. Key infrastructure facilities, such as hospitals and schools, were also
severely affected, disrupting essential services.

c. Impact on Cultural Heritage: Nepal is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage

Sites, and the earthquake caused significant damage to these cultural treasures. Iconic
landmarks, such as the historic Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan,
suffered partial or complete destruction. This loss of cultural heritage was a
devastating blow to Nepal's rich cultural identity and tourism industry.

d. Socio-Economic Consequences: The earthquake had profound socio-economic

repercussions on the affected regions. Many people lost their homes and livelihoods,
leading to widespread displacement and economic hardship. The disruption of critical
services, such as healthcare and education, further compounded the challenges faced
by communities.

e. International Aid and Relief Efforts: The international community responded

quickly to provide assistance and support to Nepal. Countries, humanitarian
organizations, and individuals contributed financial aid, supplies, and personnel to
help with rescue and relief operations. These efforts aimed to provide immediate
relief to affected communities and assist in the reconstruction and recovery process.

f. Lessons Learned and Resilience Building : It highlighted the importance of robust

building design, adherence to seismic codes, and effective disaster response
mechanisms. Efforts have been made to strengthen building regulations, improve
infrastructure resilience, and raise public awareness about earthquake safety.

g. Reconstruction and Recovery: The process of reconstruction and recovery has been
a significant challenge for Nepal. It involves not only rebuilding physical
infrastructure but also addressing socio-economic issues, supporting livelihoods, and
ensuring the long-term resilience of communities. Efforts have been made to
streamline reconstruction efforts, secure funding, and involve local communities in
decision-making processes.

The 2015 Nepal earthquake was a tragic event that exposed vulnerabilities in
infrastructure, building design, and disaster preparedness.
 13

Figure 1: Areas affected by the Gorkha seismic sequence.

Fig.1 Satellite imagery of the earthquake affected area

 Chapter V:
Conclusion
5.1 Findings and Conclusion

The 2015 Nepal earthquake was a devastating event with significant loss of life,
widespread damage to infrastructure, and long-lasting socio-economic consequences.
One of the key takeaways from the earthquake was the need for robust building
design and construction practices. The vulnerability of older buildings and those
constructed without proper seismic considerations was evident, leading to their
collapse and loss of life. This emphasized the importance of implementing and
enforcing stringent building codes that incorporate seismic design provisions.

The impact on cultural heritage sites was also significant, resulting in the loss of
invaluable historical and cultural treasures. The damage to UNESCO World Heritage
Sites underscored the need for protective measures and conservation strategies to
safeguard these important landmarks against future seismic events.
The socio-economic consequences of the earthquake were considerable, with many
people losing their homes, livelihoods, and access to essential services. The recovery
and reconstruction process has been a complex and challenging task, requiring
coordinated efforts from the government, international community, and local
stakeholders. Overall, the 2015 Nepal earthquake was a tragic event that brought to
light the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by Nepal and other earthquake-prone
regions.
It served as a catalyst for change, spurring efforts to improve building design, enhance
infrastructure resilience, protect cultural heritage, and strengthen disaster
preparedness. The lessons learned from this earthquake continue to shape policies and
practices to mitigate the impact of future seismic events and build more resilient
communities.

5.2 Future Direction

The 2015 Nepal earthquake presented several areas for further research and
investigation, each of which can contribute to improving earthquake preparedness,
understanding the geological effects, and assessing the socio-economic impact. Here
are a few key areas for future research:

i. Advanced Early Warning Systems: Developing more sophisticated and accurate

early warning systems can greatly enhance the preparedness and response to
earthquakes. Research can focus on improving the detection and prediction of seismic
activity, refining algorithms for early warning algorithms, and exploring innovative
technologies for faster and more reliable alerts.

ii. Seismic Hazard Assessment: Conducting detailed studies to assess the seismic
hazard in Nepal can provide valuable insights into the frequency, intensity, and
distribution of earthquakes in the region. This research can help update and refine
seismic hazard maps, which are essential for informed decision-making in land use
planning, infrastructure design, and emergency management.

iii. Geotechnical and Geophysical Studies: Investigating the long-term effects of the
earthquake on the geology and geotechnical properties of the region can deepen our
understanding of the seismic behavior of the area.

iv. Structural Performance and Retrofitting Techniques: Further research can be

conducted to evaluate the performance of different structural systems during the
earthquake and identify areas for improvement. This can involve studying the
behavior of retrofitted buildings, assessing the effectiveness of various retrofitting
techniques, and developing guidelines for retrofitting existing vulnerable structures.
v. Socio-Economic Impact and Recovery: Assessing the long-term socio-economic
impact of the earthquake is essential for understanding the broader consequences and
formulating effective recovery strategies. Research can focus on evaluating the
economic losses, analyzing the social and psychological impacts on affected
communities, and identifying measures to enhance resilience and promote sustainable
recovery.

vi. Community Engagement and Education: Investigating the effectiveness of

community engagement and education programs in enhancing earthquake
preparedness and response can provide valuable insights for future initiatives.
Research can assess the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns, community-
based training programs, and participatory approaches to disaster risk reduction.

vii. Remote Sensing and GIS Analysis: Utilizing remote sensing data and Geographic
Information System (GIS) analysis can provide valuable information for assessing the
spatial extent and severity of damage caused by the earthquake. Research can focus
on using satellite imagery, LiDAR data, and other remote sensing techniques to map
damaged areas, monitor land movement, and support post-disaster recovery and
reconstruction efforts.

By exploring these areas of research, Nepal can further strengthen its resilience to
earthquakes, improve disaster management strategies, and enhance the overall
understanding of seismic events in the region.
 References

Chaulagain Hemchandra, ... Hugo Rodrigues, in Impacts

and Insights of the Gorkha Earthquake, 2018 Santharaju
swathi, research net.gate.Adhikari, S. R., Basyal, G. K.,
Pradhan, S., and Shrestha, S., 2015. Post-earthquake
assessment of buildings using mobile technology and Google
Imaginary Plus GIS visualization, in Proceedings, 14th
International Symposium on New Technology for Urban
Safety of Mega Cities in Asia, 29–31 October 2015,
Kathmandu, Nepal.

Rawat .A, Pun asha, KC ashish, k.Tamang Indra,

Rasanathan.k , Journal of Global Health, 2015 Earthquake
in Nepal, Gorkha.