Western Nepal Rattled by Aftershocks: Residents Urged to Stay Prepared Amid Ongoing Tremors

In recent days, western Nepal has been rattled by a series of aftershocks, each measuring around 4 on the Richter scale. The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre (NEMRC) reported that since December 16, there have been seven notable aftershocks in the region. The ongoing seismic activity has raised concerns among residents, but experts assert that these occurrences are part of a natural phenomenon following the significant earthquake experienced in the area earlier this year. On December 27, at 11:37 p.m., an aftershock measuring 3.7 struck near Lali in Kalikot, adding to the series of tremors that began with a 4.3 magnitude shock near Dhamena, Bajhang on December 17. Subsequent aftershocks included a 4.1 magnitude tremor the following day and a 4.7 magnitude quake that occurred in Nesyang, Manang on December 19. A more powerful tremor of 5.2 magnitude was recorded in Bajura on December 21, followed by a 4.0 magnitude earthquake around Api Mountain in Darchula on December 24, and a 4.2 magnitude aftershock in Jajarkot on December 26. Experts, including Dr. Shiba Subedi, a seismologist at the Nepal Academy of Sciences and Technology, have explained the recent seismic activity as a consequence of the aftershocks stemming from a 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Ramidanda in Jajarkot on November 3, 2023. Following this event, five significant aftershocks have been recorded in the western region. Dr. Subedi emphasized that such aftershocks are common following major seismic events. "This is very natural. Thousands of aftershocks occur following a major earthquake," he noted. He underscored the geological uniqueness of western Nepal, which has not experienced a major earthquake in over five centuries. This lack of significant seismic activity has resulted in a substantial accumulation of latent energy in the region’s geological formations. The last major earthquake recorded in Nepal occurred in Mustang on June 6, 1505, with an estimated magnitude between 8.2 and 8.8. Since that time, mid-western and far-western Nepal have seen no comparable seismic activity, leading to the potential build-up of enough energy to trigger future earthquakes of significant magnitudes. Dr. Subedi warned that the region remains a seismic risk zone, with the potential for earthquakes in the magnitude range of 7 to 8. "Every year, our tectonic plate moves 2 centimeters towards the north. We have already stated that the area west of Barpak is at risk," he stated, indicating the urgent need for preparedness in light of these ongoing seismic events. As western Nepal continues to experience these tremors, residents are urged to stay vigilant and prepared for any further seismic activity while experts work to monitor the situation closely. The natural forces at play in this mountainous region serve as a reminder of the Earth's powerful dynamics and the importance of understanding the risks associated with living in such a geologically active area.