A 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck Sindhupalchok district yesterday afternoon at 1:30 pm ( June 26th), according to the National Earthquake Measurement Center. The tremor, felt during heavy rain, caused understandable shock among residents still recovering from the devastating 2015 Gorkha earthquake.
While no immediate reports of damage emerged from this latest event, concerns linger. Since 2015’s monsoon season, Sindhupalchok has suffered significant property losses due to landslides and floods. Geologists suspect the 2015 earthquake loosened the ground, contributing to these disasters.
This vulnerability is painfully evident in the case of Helambu and Melamchi markets. Devastated by floods and landslides in June 2021, these areas require resettlement of affected families. However, the lack of proper geological studies has stalled relocation efforts, leaving 142 families in continued danger zones.