Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Another Killer Earthquake Hits Nepal

By Douglas V. Gibbs

On April 25, 2015 a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal killing more than 8,000 people, and injuring more than 18,000.  On Tuesday, another major earthquake hit the region.  This one was a 7.3 magnitude, killing so far at least 42 people, and more than 1,100 injured.  The death toll is expected to rise.

The large quake triggered landslides (many of which block mountain roads), toppled buildings, and has left many homeless.  The Sindhupalchowk and Dolkha districts were the hardest hit, northeast of the capital.  The earthquake was followed by at least eight strong aftershocks.

Collapsed buildings are being reported in the capital, Kathmandu, some of which were already unoccupied due to damage sustained during the April 25 quake. The April 25 quake caused extensive structural damage even in buildings that did not topple, and those buildings were already in danger of future collapse.

The April 25 earthquake had been followed by dozens of aftershocks, and the country was already asking for billions of dollars in aid from other countries.  Rain is adding to the difficulties.

Shaking from this earthquake was felt across northern India, where at least three people were killed due to collapsing rooftops.  Regions in Tibet also reported that they felt the rattling of this earthquake, as well as minor landslides.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary


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