At least 128 people have died so far in the strong earthquake in Nepal last night on Friday (03 November).
These figures are continuously increasing. According to Nepali media, an earthquake of 6.4 magnitude was felt around 11:47 pm. The maximum damage due to this earthquake has occurred in Jajarkot and Rukum West of Karnali province.
Lokvijay Adhikari, head of the National Earthquake Measurement Center, said that the earthquake occurred at 11:47 pm, whose epicenter was Jajarkot in western Nepal. Deputy Mayor of Nalgarh Municipality of Jajarkot, Sarita Singh, died in the earthquake that occurred late on Friday night. Apart from them, more than 50 people have died in the area.
On Friday night, residents of Delhi and its surrounding areas experienced tremors and jolted out of their homes in panic as an earthquake of 6.4 magnitude on the Richter scale hit Nepal. This was the third time in a month that tremors were felt in Delhi and it has led to chatter as to why the national capital has been experiencing such incident
Understanding Earthquakes: Causes, Effects, and Preparedness
Introduction:
Earthquakes are natural disasters that have fascinated and terrified humans for centuries. These seismic events, caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, can have devastating consequences. In this article, we will delve into the details of earthquakes, including their causes, effects, and the importance of preparedness.
Causes of Earthquakes:
Earthquakes are primarily caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. The Earth's crust is divided into several large and small plates that are constantly shifting. When these plates interact, they can either collide, move apart, or slide past each other. The resulting stress and pressure build up over time until they are released in the form of seismic waves, causing an earthquake.
Types of Earthquakes:
There are two main types of earthquakes:
Tectonic Earthquakes: These are the most common type and are associated with the movement of tectonic plates. Subduction zones, where one plate is forced beneath another, are particularly prone to tectonic earthquakes.
Non-Tectonic Earthquakes: These earthquakes occur due to other factors, such as volcanic activity, landslides, or human activities like mining and reservoir-induced seismicity.
Effects of Earthquakes:
The effects of earthquakes can be wide-ranging and devastating. Some of the most common consequences include:
Ground Shaking: The primary effect of an earthquake is ground shaking, which can cause buildings, roads, and bridges to collapse.
Tsunamis: Underwater earthquakes can trigger tsunamis, massive sea waves that can inundate coastal areas.
Landslides: Earthquakes can trigger landslides, particularly in hilly or mountainous regions.
Liquefaction: In areas with loose, water-saturated soil, earthquakes can cause the ground to behave like a liquid, leading to sinking buildings and infrastructure.
Aftershocks: These are smaller tremors that can follow a major earthquake, causing further damage.
Preparedness and Safety Measures:
To mitigate the impact of earthquakes, it is crucial to be prepared. Here are some essential safety measures:
Emergency Kits: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries.
Building Codes: Construct buildings and infrastructure according to earthquake-resistant building codes.
Education: Educate yourself and your family on what to do during an earthquake, such as "Drop, Cover, and Hold On."
Early Warning Systems: Many regions have early warning systems in place to provide alerts before significant shaking begins.
Conclusion:
Earthquakes are natural phenomena that cannot be prevented, but their impact can be reduced through education, preparedness, and sound building practices. By understanding the causes and effects of earthquakes and taking appropriate safety measures, we can better protect ourselves and our communities when the ground starts to shake.
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