How Scientists Are Aiding Quake Recovery in Nepal

The  that struck Nepal on April 25 has devastated the resource-poor Himalayan nation. Numerous houses and buildings have collapsed, and the quake triggered landslides and avalanches that engulfed remote villages. Officials in Nepal say that the quake has affected more than 8 million people. More than 6,100 have died and roughly 13,900 are injured.

Pradeep Mool, a geologist and remote-sensing expert at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu, talks to  about the earthquake—and how scientists are assisting in rescue and relief efforts.

How has the quake affected your research?

Some planned research activities in the coming months will have to be cancelled, including an international scientific expedition that was supposed to head to Langtang this week. The expedition, which would have consisted of more than two dozen glaciologists and hydrologists, had been delayed for multiple reasons. But what a lucky escape! We would be in big trouble if we had gone to Langtang last week.

How are you all coping?

The main building of the ICIMOD headquarters has only a few cracks, but the adjacent Bhutan Pavilion—a gift from the Bhutanese government—totally collapsed. Since our server returned to normal on Monday, we have received numerous kind messages and good wishes from our friends and colleagues around the world. We are trying to pull ourselves together to support the rescue and relief efforts.

What role can science have in such efforts?

Looking ahead, more slopes—which have now been primed by the quake—are likely to fail as the snow begins to melt and the monsoon kicks in. We also worry that some of the moraine dams of glacier lakes might have been weakened by the quake. This could cause floods as the lakes start to thaw and devastate downstream communities.

So there is an urgent need to assess the impact of landslides and monitor all potential hazards. This is where science can have a major role.

How is ICIMOD assisting the rescue and relief operations?a dedicated web page, which includes many links to related websites.

ICIMOD scientists are working with traffic controllers at the airport by providing assistance to assess weather and terrain conditions. We have sent teams of volunteers to aid relief efforts in nearby villages, and are also talking to government agencies about helping to rebuild some of the mountain villages that we work with.

How will the quake affect ICIMOD’s research programmes?

Because the impact of the quake on landslides and glacier lakes is likely to continue for many years, monitoring the risks and setting up early-warning systems will be our top priority in the foreseeable future. To get an accurate assessment of the situation, we will need to combine remote-sensing technology with a lot of field investigation.

How are your friends, family and colleagues?

We had a team of glaciologists out in the field near Everest. They were crossing a frozen lake when the earthquake happened. The ice began to deform and large cracks emerged under their feet. Thankfully, they managed to escape and got to safe ground.