Earthquake Case Study: Nepal 2015
Geography: AQA GCSE, topic 1.2.23
The Nepal Earthquake in 2015
A shallow focus earthquake of magnitude 7.8 affected Nepal in April 2015.
Background
- Nepal is a low-income country. The lack of resources had an impact on both the effects and the response to the earthquake.
- Foreign aid was needed to support recovery.
- The effects were more severe because many people lived in poor quality housing.
- The earthquake was caused by the collision of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates.
Primary effects
- The primary effects of the Nepal earthquake in 2015 included:
- 9,000 people were killed.
- There was US$5 billion of damage.
Secondary effects
- Secondary effects of the Nepal earthquake in 2015 included:
- Flooding and damage to roads from landslides.
- An avalanche on Mount Everest which killed 19 people.
Responses to the earthquake
- Immediate responses included:
- Overseas aid from NGOs (non-governmental organisations) such as Oxfam.
- 300,000 people left the capital city (Kathmandu).
- Long term responses included:
- An international conference to appeal for funding.
Test yourself on Earthquake Case Study: Nepal 2015
Which of these describes Nepal?
What were the primary effects of the Nepal earthquake in 2015?
Which of these is true about the Nepal earthquake in 2015?
What were the immediate responses to the Nepal earthquake in 2015?