Context:
- A mild earthquake struck the Manang district of Gandaki Province, central Nepal.
- The earthquake measured 4.7 magnitude on the Richter Scale and occurred at 12:54 p.m. (local time).
- The epicentre was recorded at Thoche in Manang district.
Key Highlights:
Seismic Event Details:
- Magnitude: 4.7 (classified as a light earthquake)
- Location: Thoche, Manang district, Gandaki Province, Nepal
- Depth: Shallow-focus earthquake (typical of Himalayan region)
- Impact: No major damage reported, but tremors were felt in nearby areas
Geological Context:
- Nepal lies in a highly seismically active zone due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.
- The region is part of the Himalayan seismic belt, one of the most earthquake-prone zones in the world.
Stakeholders & Institutions:
- Nepalese seismic monitoring agencies
- Regional disaster management authorities
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Richter Scale: Measures magnitude (energy released) of earthquakes.
- Himalayan Seismic Belt: Result of convergent plate boundary between Indian and Eurasian plates.
- Earthquake Zones in South Asia: Frequent low-to-moderate magnitude tremors.
- Impact: Even moderate earthquakes pose risks due to fragile mountain ecosystems.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Tectonic Cause: Plate convergence and thrust faulting in the Himalayas.
- Disaster Preparedness: Importance of early warning systems and earthquake-resilient infrastructure.
- Regional Cooperation: Need for cross-border seismic data sharing in South Asia.
- Way Forward:
- Strengthening building codes in seismic zones
- Public awareness and disaster drills
- Enhanced seismic monitoring networks
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS I: Physical geography – earthquakes, plate tectonics
- GS III: Disaster management and risk reduction