5.5 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Nepal, Tremors Felt in Neighboring Regions

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal in the early hours of the morning, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located 14 kilometers south of Kodari in the Sindhupalchok district.

Nepal’s National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center (NEMRC) recorded it as 6.1, while the German Research Center for Geosciences placed the magnitude at 5.6.

The quake occurred at 2:51 AM local time and was felt strongly in the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas, with tremors also reported in parts of India and China.

Initial reports suggest the earthquake had a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers. Volcano Discovery noted that the quake’s shallow depth likely contributed to its widespread impact, with stronger tremors felt near the epicenter.

So far, there have been no reports of casualties or significant property damage. Authorities are conducting assessments and gathering data to provide a more detailed analysis of the situation. Monitoring continues as the region remains vigilant for potential aftershocks.

Nepal, located along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, is one of the most seismically active regions in the world. This tectonic setting has led to a long history of earthquakes, some of which have been devastating.

On April 25, 2015, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit near Gorkha, killing nearly 9,000 people, injuring over 16,000, and causing widespread destruction, including an avalanche on Mount Everest that killed 19 climbers.

On November 3, 2023, a 6.4-magnitude quake in Jajarkot District killed 153 people and damaged thousands of homes. The country’s location in the Himalayas, coupled with ongoing tectonic stress, ensures that earthquakes remain a persistent threat.