AQA Geography - Nepal Case study

CASE STUDY: NEPAL EARTHQUAKE, 2015 (LEDC)

25th April, 2015.

7.8/7.9 on the Richter scale.

Causes:

• Approx 80km north-west of capital Katmandu.
• The earthquake occured as a result of thrust faulting on the main fault between subducting Indian plate and overriding Eurasian plate to the North.
• The Indian plate is colliding with the Eurasian plate, driving the Himilayas upwards.
• Another aftershock on the 26th, as well as May 12th. 
• Epicentre was near the Chinease border, between Katmandu and Mount Everest.
• The fourth biggest earthquake since 1988.

Social Impacts:

• Nearly 9,000 dead.
• Nearly 20,000 killed or injured.
• Worst earthquake in Nepal in over 80 years.
• Temperatures drop massively in Nepal through the evening, leading homeless people…