Loss of heritage sites in Nepal due to earthquake, causes less tourism.

Loss of heritage sites in Nepal due to earthquake.

The April 2015 earthquake in Nepal caused significant damage to several heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley. According to UNESCO first assessment, the monuments and important sites in the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage property, and other cultural and natural heritage sites in this area, were heavily affected ¹. Here are some of the heritage sites that were damaged:

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples that served as the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu.
2. Patan Durbar Square: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a collection of temples and palaces that served as the seat of the Malla kings of Patan.
3. Bhaktapur Durbar Square: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a complex of temples, courtyards, and palaces that served as the seat of the Bhaktapur kingdom.
4. Changu Narayan Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the oldest temples in Nepal.
5. Boudhanath Stupa: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the largest stupas in Nepal and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
6. Swayambhunath Stupa: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a Buddhist stupa located on a hilltop in Kathmandu and is also known as the Monkey Temple.

The most recent earthquake in Nepal occurred on October 22, 2023. The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.1 and its epicenter was in Dhading. Fortunately, there were no reports of casualties or damage.

Nepal is located in a seismically active region due to the convergence of the Indian and Tibetan tectonic plates. The movement of these plates causes frequent earthquakes in the region. The most devastating earthquake in Nepal occurred on April 25, 2015, with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale. The earthquake and its aftershocks claimed around 9,000 lives.

According to the National Earthquake Monitoring & Research Center, Nepal has experienced 960 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or above within 300 km of its borders in the past 10 years. It's been recorded that yearly it's an average of 96 earthquakes per year, or 8 per month. It can say an average, earthquake in Nepal happens roughly every 3 days.

earthquakes in Nepal can affect neighboring countries like India. For instance, on October 3, 2023, a series of six earthquakes rocked Nepal's western province, which is closer to India's eastern border. We felt tough quakes in Nepal's Bajhang and some other districts including Achham, Doti, Bajura and Baitadi. The epicenter was 206 km South-East of India's holy city Joshimath in Uttarakhand. the same effect of earthquake felt in Chandigarh, Jaipur and other parts of northern India.

In addition, Nepal has experienced 960 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or above within 300 km of its borders in the past 10 years. As noted, a yearly average of 96 earthquakes per year or 8 per month faced by nopalines.

According to the latest news reports, the most recent earthquake in Nepal occurred on October 22, 2023, with a magnitude of 6.1. Fortunately, there were no reports of casualties or damage.

The impact of earthquakes on tourism in Nepal is significant. In 2015, an earthquake with a moment magnitude of 7.8 struck near Kathmandu, killing around 9,000 people and injuring many more. The disaster also caused significant damage to heritage sites and infrastructure, leading to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals. However, research shows that tourism inflows and GDP have been recovering since then.