Shallow magnitude 4.1 quake shakes Nepal early Sunday morning
The Himalayan nation of Nepal was shaken by seismic activity once again on Sunday morning. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), an earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale was recorded, marking the latest in a series of tremors to hit the region recently.
The NCS confirmed that the seismic event took place at exactly 8:13 AM (IST). The epicenter was located within Nepal, with coordinates recorded at Latitude 29.59 N and Longitude 80.83 E. Notably, this was a shallow earthquake with a focal depth of just 5 kilometers. Seismologists often closely monitor shallow quakes as they occur closer to the surface, potentially causing more distinct ground shaking than deeper tremors of the same magnitude.
Recent Seismic Pattern
This Sunday's jolt is not an isolated incident. The region has witnessed frequent tectonic movement over the past few weeks. Just days ago, on November 30, a slightly stronger earthquake of magnitude 4.2 was reported. That tremor occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. Prior to that, on November 6, a smaller 3.6 magnitude quake was also recorded.
While minor tremors are common in this geologically active zone, the frequency of these events keeps authorities and locals on alert. Shallow earthquakes, like the one recorded today, generally release their energy nearer to the surface. This can sometimes result in more structural impact compared to deep-focus earthquakes which dissipate energy as shockwaves travel upward.
Why is Nepal So Vulnerable?
Nepal's geography makes it one of the most earthquake-prone zones in the world. The country sits directly on a major fault line where two massive tectonic plates—the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate—converge.
Geologists explain that the Indian plate is continuously pushing under the Eurasian plate at a steady rate. This geological process, known as subduction, created the Himalayan mountain range and continues to generate immense underground stress. When this accumulated pressure exceeds the strength of the rocks, it is released in the form of earthquakes. Because of this convergent boundary, the entire Himalayan belt remains a zone of intense seismic vulnerability.
As of now, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage from Sunday's 4.1 magnitude event.
