Nepal Earthquake Destroys the Cultural Heritage
Author : Peter Vredeveld
Earthquake in Nepal on 25th April 2015
Nepal, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, has recently faced one of the most destructive quakes recorded in Nepal. This specific Earthquake, known as the Gorkha Earthquake, killed more than 8000 people (death toll reached 8446 by 10 May) and destroyed more than 300,000 houses and many cultural heritages. This Earthquake was recorded with a moment magnitude of 7.9 on the Richter scale and occurred with a maximum Mercalli Intensity of IX, meaning the quake was quite violent. It is called the Gorkha Earthquake because the epicenter of this 7.9-moment magnitude was the village of Barpak, Gorkha District, and the hypocenter was at a depth of 15 km.
25th April – The Day of Earthquake
It was the day of the weekly holiday in Nepal. Many people and tourists plan to spend their day visiting various cultural places to satisfy their beliefs. Many spend their holiday resting at their homes to get relief from their 6-day long work. The Earthquake struck at 11:41 am, with its epicenter in the village of Barpark, Gorkha District, with a depth of 15 km, which is believed to be much closer to the crust and that triggers more violent damage than regular quakes that originate in much more profound.
The large-scale quake produced a large number of human deaths and billions of economic destruction. Sindhupalchowk, Gorkha, Kathmandu City, Patan, Bhaktapur, Langtang, and other regions were most destroyed. Kathmandu Valley alone resides seven monuments listed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The three noble courts of Durbar Square of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan are almost destroyed. The other four monuments, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Changu Narayan Temple, experienced some damage. The birthplace of Gautama Buddha, Lumbini, survived this natural catastrophe unscathed. There was also the report of an avalanche on Mt. Everest due to a quake that killed around 19 climbers, including reputed Google Executive Dan Fredinburg.
Damage of Buddhist Cultural monuments in Nepal
Many cultural heritages and monuments were destroyed in this tragic 7.9-scale Earthquake. According to statistics, the cultural heritage of billions worth was destroyed and damaged. A few Buddhist monuments were destroyed, too. One of the most popular and most worshipped Buddhist Stupa of Nepal, Swayambhunath Stupa, was also affected by this Earthquake. Even though the main stupa was intact, the surrounding area of Swayambhunath Complex was mainly destroyed. It was shocking to see the part of Swayambhunath Stupa being destroyed on such a large scale. Fortunately, another important Buddhist pilgrimage site of Kathmandu Valley, Bouddhanath Stupa, was intact by this large Earthquake. It was stated that only a tiny part of Bouddhanath Stupa got cracked, and it's nothing to worry about. Kathmandu Valley, especially Basantapur, suffered the most damage from the Earthquake. Most of the famous cultural heritage got destroyed to grounds. Surprisingly, most Buddhist stupas, monuments, and shrines of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur survived the Earthquake of 2015.
Nepal is still suffering from many waves and shocks and has experienced one more Earthquake of more destructive power nearly ten days after the initial quake in Nepal. The human casualties were limited to the minimum since many were living outside the house, but still, many died in the second phase of the Earthquake. That's why the Nepal government is still busy helping the victims and providing relief to the victims. That's why the damaged cultural heritage reconstruction program has yet to start.
"Hope Nepal will get back to normal after this devastating natural disaster. Rest In Peace to all those who lost their lives in this Earthquake."
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