Aftershocks may follow even for 10 yrs: Expert

CHITWAN: Experts have said that aftershocks might last even for 10 years following the mega earthquake.

According to Professor Dr Harihar Paudel, aftershocks of the same deadly earthquake, that rocked Nepal with its epicenter in Barpak, Gorkha in 2072 BS, have been continuing even after four years.

Paudel said the Indian and Tibetan plates are constantly pushing against each other, creating energy. When the energy is released, it will trigger shocks waves on the surface, which we call an earthquake.

“After shocks may follow a big earthquake,” said Paudel, adding, “Aftershocks may indicate geological turbulent inside the earth.”

A big earthquake had rattled Nepal with its epicenter in Chainpur in which 10, 700 people were killed in 1990 BS. Its shock-waves were felt as far as Darbhanga of India. Similarly, an earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale of 2045 BS claimed over 500 people. Its epicenter was in Udayapur.

Since casualties take place due to the collapse of infrastructures, not the shock-waves themselves,  the government has to launch awareness programs among the people to reduce possible risk of earthquake, said Paudel.