Sudurpaschim Region Faces Heightened Earthquake Risk: 15 Quakes in Four Days with Bajhang Epicenter

A series of earthquakes have rattled Bajhang in the Far Western Province, raising concerns about heightened seismic activity in the Sudurpaschim region. The latest tremor, measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale, occurred today (Saturday) at 11:45 a.m. with its epicenter located in Bhatekhola, Bajhang, according to the National Seismological Center.

Details about the extent of damage caused by the earthquake are not yet available.

On Friday night, two earthquakes struck with their epicenter in Chainpur, Bajhang. The National Earthquake Measurement and Research Center reported a magnitude 4.3 earthquake on Friday at 10:52 pm in Chainpur, Bajhang, followed by a 3.9 magnitude tremor at 12:23 pm.

The seismic activity in the region escalated on October 16th when a magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred at 2:40 PM, centered in Bajhang. Shortly thereafter, at 3:06 a.m., another earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck in Bajhang Headquarters Chainpur, followed by a 4.1 magnitude quake in Chainpur at 3:13 p.m., and another 4.1 magnitude earthquake in Sur at 3:45 p.m. These earthquakes resulted in one fatality, dozens of injuries, and extensive damage to hundreds of houses.

Notably, the epicenter of today’s earthquake had already experienced an aftershock on Tuesday afternoon, registering at magnitude 1.3, according to the National Earthquake Measurement and Research Center. Over the last four days, a total of 15 earthquakes have been recorded with Bajhang as the epicenter. Senior seismologist Bijay Prasad Koirala has expressed concerns over the high risk of earthquakes in the far western region due to the significant energy accumulation. Koirala suggests that today’s earthquake is an aftershock of the one that occurred on Tuesday.

The region has not experienced a major earthquake since 1505, resulting in a substantial buildup of energy. Koirala explains that the release of energy accumulated at the converging tectonic plates can only occur through earthquakes. Therefore, further aftershocks may be expected in the coming days. Experts speculate that a significant earthquake may eventually occur to release the stored energy, but it is preferable to release it in smaller tremors rather than a single large one. The series of earthquakes began on October 16th, starting with a magnitude 5.3 quake at 2:40 PM, followed by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake just 25 minutes later, both centered in Bajhang. Subsequent tremors occurred on the same day, with eight more on October 17th and one on Thursday night at 10:51 PM.