A new earthquake measuring 7.3 on Richter scale has recently hit Nepal, leaving many people in distress. Hundreds are reported to be injured and a few dozen people have died in the Himalayan country and nearby states. Most buildings and structures had already been devastated by the recent earthquake and their structures gave in to the new devastating one. Some of the constructions that resisted the earthquake are in danger of collapsing soon because their structures were challenged.
The quake was produced on Tuesday, the 12th of May 2015 and, according to U.S. Geological Survey, it was centered in the vicinity of Namche Bazaar, not far from Mount Everest. It was so strong that it was felt in Bangladesh and northern India (where people were killed) as well. The U.S. geological Survey revealed that it was followed by about eight aftershocks, which came soon after the quake was produced
Less than three weeks after the most devastating quake recorded in Nepal in the last few decades left hundreds of thousands people homeless and killed more 8,150, a new one killed at least 42 people and injured at least 1,117. These numbers were confirmed by the Home Ministry, not long after the event. Authorities are expecting these numbers to be bigger as the search for new victims continues. Many homes were flattened during the earthquake as well.
According to Home Ministry official Laxmi Dhakal, the Dolkha and Sindhupalchowk were struck the hardest. People are looking for survivors in Chautara, where a humanitarian aid center had been set up since the previous earthquake.
Rescuers are using helicopters to reach mountainside areas where shattered buildings may have trapped more victims inside.
Even if the earthquake recorded on April 25 was stronger in magnitude (7.8 on Richter Scale), this one was deeper. According to experts, the previous one came from a depth of 15 kilometers, while the one registered today came from 18.5 kilometers deep. This might be one of the reasons why it caused less damage than the earlier quake.
The event led to chaos in traffic, especially in the capital city. The international airport in Kathmandu had to cease any activity for a short while.
The event definitely had a strong impact on residents’ perception of safety. Many were already terrified after the previous earthquake left so many victims and shook their homes. Not long ago, they had decided to go back to their houses and now they are most likely intending to sleep outdoors once again. In a statement to NRK, Norwegian Red Cross Secretary-General Asne Havnelid said: “People are terribly scared. Everyone ran out in the streets because they are afraid of being inside the houses.”
Humanitarian aid agencies are doing everything they can to obtain news related to the people residing outside the capital city.
The earthquake left vast areas in distress, so doctors and volunteers created a human chain near a hospital in Kathmandu to keep the road clear for ambulances. Very few have arrived until now.
Aid is expected to be provided from many parts of the world for the people who went through such a traumatic event, some of them for the second time.
Image Source: theguardian
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