From a research point of view, reality for scientists – locally and abroad – is that funding rarely comes unless a major earthquake triggers it. The Gorkha Quake in 2015 was a clear example, according to Hetenyi.
“You remember how worried the population for a while, then in the first three years, it was easy to obtain funding to study in Nepal. And then suddenly, attention turned elsewhere and people no longer remembered, especially abroad. It is therefore a problem,” he said.
The recent Myanmar earthquake, which occurred on the fault of Sagain, and seisically links to the Himalayan region, could present more research possibilities in the near future, Karplus said. At the very least, this could arouse a certain attention of citizens living in risky areas.
“Having regional earthquakes is a bit of a reminder and perhaps alarm or a warning to communities. Because it encourages people and especially to politicians who make decisions,” Karplus said.
In a country with GDP, less than 10% of major seismic risks – and such major seismic risks – growing knowledge and research capacities are not an easy proposal in Nepal.
“Scientific development is very close to the country's political and economy structure. You cannot have a MIT, for example, in India and Nepal,” said Banerjee, referring to the famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States.
“These are practical challenges. We know that there is a solution, but implementing it on the ground is the real challenge. ”
Experts have agreed that data collection should be a priority for countries in the region. From there, it could be disseminated abroad to experts who can help better decipher some of the mysteries of tectonic activity, of which there is a lot.
“Understanding the geometry of these faults is really critical. The more data we have, the better we can understand the structures that have an impact on the size of ruptures and which can help understanding and preparation,” said Karplus.
A new online tool developed by Aberystwyth University in Wales could help increase knowledge and awareness of the way in which multiple dangers, including earthquakes, could have an impact on Nepal.
Called Mimapper, the multi-hazard mapping tool uses geospatial data to view the risk of natural risk across the country and is freely accessible by anyone.
The visualization of the earthquake is based on vulnerability and social dimensions, such as the types of housing and density of the populations, said Neil Glasser, professional vice-chancellor of the Earth Faculty and University Sciences.
“It is important to say that this does not predict when these events will take place. Because if we could, it's the Holy Grail, isn't it? ” He added.
“It is a tool for people who think of development and planning. And in countries like Nepal, they are constantly trying to find ways to develop the country in the face of natural disasters. ”
