The student news site of Oakton High School

Oakton Outlook

The student news site of Oakton High School

Oakton Outlook

The student news site of Oakton High School

Oakton Outlook

Earthquake that shocked a country

This map shows the center of the Earthquake that hit Nepal on April 25, 2015.
This map shows the center of the Earthquake that hit Nepal on April 25, 2015.

Background Info on Earthquakes

More than 25 million years ago, India crashed into Asia, which were just two huge land masses. These two land masses are still colliding, pushing together at about two inches a year. This is how Mount Everest was formed, and why Asia experiences so many earthquakes. 81 years ago, in 1934, an 8.1 earthquake hit eastern Nepal, killing 10,000 people.

Characteristics of this earthquake

The earthquake that hit Nepal was measured at a magnitude of 7.8, still destructive, but a little less than the one that occurred in 1934. The earthquake struck at 11:56 a.m. local time (2:11 a.m. ET) on April 25. It was centered less than 50 miles northwest of Kathmandu. So far, 1,800 people have died due to this earthquake, however, the number probably will increase as the search goes on. Places that used to be tourist destinations, temples, houses, office buildings are all torn down or damaged. The Dharahara tower, a landmark nine-story structure, was packed with people when it collapsed. This tower was built in 1832 and provided a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. At least 50 bodies have been found under this collapsed tower.

What people are doing to help Nepal rebuild their country

The U.S. government is giving $1 million to Nepal in immediate assistance to rebuild. Locally, the Fairfax County search and rescue team is packing to fly to Nepal to help the injured and help find residents. There are many online fundraisers that are currently raising money to help the people in Nepal who have been effected from this earthquake.

Rebuilding this country back to its magnificence before this earthquake hit will take some time, but it will come together if everyone works together and keeps these people in their thoughts.

 

 

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Earthquake that shocked a country