List of Major Earthquakes in Nepal Since Year 1255, with Magnitudes, Deaths

In a devastating turn of events, a powerful earthquake has struck northwestern districts of Nepal on November 3rd night, claiming the lives of at least 128 people and leaving hundreds injured. The earthquake, which occurred just before midnight on Friday, sent shockwaves through mountain villages, causing extensive damage and triggering a massive rescue operation.

Recalling 2015 earthquake

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the earthquake-prone nature of Nepal. The devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015 is still etched in the nation's memory, claiming the lives of around 9,000 people and causing extensive damage to approximately one million structures.

Why Nepal is an earthquake-prone zone?

Nepal is an earthquake-prone zone primarily because of its unique geographical location and tectonic plate interactions. Several geological factors contribute to the region's seismic activity.

According to Professor Dhruv Sen Singh, Head Department of Geology, University of Lucknow, Director Institute of Hydrocarbon Energy and Georesources, Nepal is situated in the Himalayan region, which was formed as a result of the ongoing collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. The Indian Plate is slowly but continuously moving northward, colliding with the Eurasian Plate. This tectonic collision results in immense pressure, causing stress to build up in the Earth's crust.

"To the south of Nepal, the Indian Plate is diving beneath the Eurasian Plate, creating a subduction zone. This process is known as subduction, and it further adds to the tectonic stress and increases the likelihood of earthquakes", he added.

List of Earthquakes in Nepal

Please note the rescue operation is going on so 2023 death toll is subject to change.