Galeshwar, Myagdi, 25th February 2025
In a concerning series of events, seven earthquake tremors were recorded on Tuesday across the western Myagdi district, particularly in the Malika and Dhawalagiri municipalities. Residents in these areas experienced a range of mild to moderate earthquakes between early morning and mid-morning hours.
The first tremor struck at 5:52 AM, with a magnitude of 3.4 on the Richter scale, centered in Malika-3, Dandagaun. Less than an hour later, another earthquake of similar magnitude (3.4) was felt in Devisthan, located in Ward No. 5 of the same municipality. At around 9:18 AM, a tremor with a magnitude of 3.4 was recorded in Muna, Dhawalagiri-3, followed by another tremor at 9:26 AM, measuring 3.6, near Mudi in Ward No. 4.
According to Bharat Koirala, an earthquake expert at the National Earthquake Monitoring Center, although these frequent tremors are alarming, there is no immediate cause for panic. He reassured that the events should not be categorized as aftershocks, but rather separate earthquakes. "The situation is under control. It is crucial for the local community to stay vigilant, but there is no need for undue fear," Koirala stated, urging caution in the affected areas.
These tremors are not an unusual phenomenon for the region. Over the past two decades, both Myagdi and neighboring Baglung have experienced over 20 instances of earthquakes measuring between 4.0 and 5.0 on the Richter scale. These areas, located at the junction of the Indian and Tibetan tectonic plates, are naturally prone to seismic activity.
Dr. Shiv Suvedi, a seismologist with a Ph.D. from Lujan University in Switzerland, explained that the frequent tremors in the region are caused by the tectonic movement at the base of the Dhaulagiri Himal. "The primary cause is plate tectonics. The collision between the Indian and Tibetan plates causes stress and energy buildup, which, when released, results in tremors," he said.
Locals in the affected areas have reported ongoing discomfort from the frequent quakes, though the tremors have not caused significant structural damage or casualties. It is believed that the region is situated on a fault line, contributing to the recurring seismic activity.
As recent as October 2017, a 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck the region, with its epicenter located in Dhawalagiri Gapa-3, Muna. The community continues to remain on alert as seismic activity remains a constant threat.
While the tremors have not been catastrophic, experts are urging continuous monitoring and preparedness for any future earthquakes in the region, underscoring the importance of safety measures and awareness in earthquake-prone areas.
