State of Seismic Hazard Analysis: Reviewing the Needs after Mw 7.8 Gorkha, Nepal Earthquake

Although Nepal experienced Mw 7.8 earthquake in 2015, researchers are arguing that a high magnitude earthquake approaching Mw 9 is likely to occur again in the future. This finding is based on the geodetically measured elastic strain stored at a rate of about 20 mm/year on the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) for the last ~>700 years, and also on the findings of paleo seismological studies conducted at some parts of the Terai-Siwalik region of Nepal. Based on literature reviews, this paper provides an overview of geological settings followed by the status of earthquake hazard assessment in Nepal. For better understanding of seismic hazard in community level, “further research needs are identified". It includes, among others, the need of analyzing seismic hazard based on the peak ground velocity (PGV) particularly for those locations which are underlain by thick sediments, and where the trend of high-rise building constructions are also increasing.