Kathmandu/New Delhi, April 4, 2025: A moderate earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale struck Nepal on Friday, April 4, triggering mild tremors across parts of North India. The earthquake, which occurred around 8:00 p.m. IST, was confirmed by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). While no immediate reports of casualties or damage have surfaced, the event has once again highlighted the seismic vulnerability of the Himalayan region.
Tremors Felt in Gorakhpur and Patna
Following the quake, several social media users took to various platforms to report experiencing the tremors in Indian cities near Nepal. Many residents of Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Patna (Bihar) claimed to have felt the ground shake briefly.
One user wrote, “I felt it in Gorakhpur, it lasted for a few seconds but was strong enough to be noticed.” Another added, “Felt in Patna too, the vibration was mild but noticeable.”
The earthquake’s impact was mild, but its occurrence raised concerns about the region’s seismic activity, which has seen a series of tremors in recent weeks.
A Series of Earthquakes in the Himalayan Belt
This latest earthquake in Nepal comes amid a series of seismic events across the Himalayan region, reinforcing the warnings issued by geologists about the area’s tectonic instability.
On April 1, a 4.2 magnitude earthquake was reported in Leh, Ladakh, causing unease among residents. Although no casualties or major damage were reported, the tremors served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the region’s seismic activity.
Additionally, last week, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Myanmar-Thailand border, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. The Thai Meteorological Department initially measured the quake at 8.2 magnitude, with the epicenter located in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, near Mandalay. The impact was severe, causing extensive structural damage in both Myanmar and Thailand.
Meanwhile, Japan also experienced seismic activity this week, with a 6.0 magnitude earthquake shaking Kyushu, the country’s southernmost main island.
Experts Call for Constant Monitoring of the Himalayan Region
Seismologists have long emphasized the Himalayan belt as a high-risk earthquake-prone zone. The Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates continue to collide, making the region vulnerable to major seismic events.
Dr. Anita Sharma, a seismologist at the Indian Institute of Himalayan Geology, spoke about the recent quakes, stating:
“While these earthquakes are not necessarily connected, they serve as stark reminders of the powerful tectonic forces shaping our planet. The Himalayan region, in particular, remains highly unstable and requires constant monitoring.”
She further highlighted the need for increased preparedness, early warning systems, and strict building regulations to mitigate the impact of future quakes.
Calls for Better Disaster Preparedness
The recent earthquakes have sparked renewed discussions about disaster preparedness in Nepal, India, and other Himalayan nations. Experts and policymakers are urging authorities to:
✔ Strengthen early warning systems to detect seismic activity before major quakes strike.
✔ Implement stricter building codes to ensure structures are earthquake-resistant.
✔ Conduct regular earthquake drills to educate the public about safety measures.
✔ Improve emergency response teams to provide immediate assistance in the event of a major quake.
The April 4 Nepal earthquake is a timely reminder of the need for seismic preparedness in the Himalayan belt. While this particular quake was moderate, the growing frequency of tremors in the region indicates that stronger earthquakes may occur in the future.
Authorities across Nepal, India, and other high-risk zones must remain vigilant and prioritize infrastructure resilience, public awareness, and disaster response strategies to minimize potential damage and loss of life in the event of a major earthquake.
