Recent earthquakes near Kathmandu
Kathmandu sits in a valley filled with soft former lake sediments, directly above the Main Himalayan Thrust in one of the world's highest-hazard settings. The soft basin amplifies shaking, and the surrounding mountain front stores strain from the Indian Plate's collision. The 2015 Gorkha earthquake (M7.8) struck just northwest of the valley. In the past 24 hours, Kathmandu has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kathmandu at high earthquake risk?
Yes. Kathmandu lies above the Himalayan collision front on a soft sediment basin that amplifies shaking, with dense construction that is often vulnerable. It is regarded as one of the most earthquake-exposed cities in the world.
What happened in Kathmandu in 2015?
The April 25, 2015 Gorkha earthquake, magnitude 7.8, struck about 80 km northwest of Kathmandu, killing nearly 9,000 people across Nepal and damaging historic temples and thousands of buildings in the valley.
Why does Kathmandu's soil make earthquakes worse?
The Kathmandu Valley was once a lake, and its thick soft sediments amplify and prolong seismic shaking. This basin effect intensified damage during the 2015 earthquake and is a key factor in the city's hazard.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.