Earthquakes as Events of Inter- and Intra-disciplinary Character—With Special Reference to the Gorkha 2015 Earthquake in Nepal

Abstract

Earthquakes are catastrophes that affect all parts of a society and a country. Consequently, they have to be examined integratively and measures of restoration and precaution have to include not only safer rebuilding and damage minimization but many more fields, such as economy, infrastructure or social structure of the society. Using the example of the Gorkha 2015 earthquake in Nepal, geoscientific, technical, medical, economic, social, political and legislative aspects of such a catastrophe are presented and discussed in detail as well as with respect to the special situation in a developing country. Particularly, the connections and interactions between all these fields are emphasized. In addition, suggestions are presented, in which way preparedness of the society on all levels of technical and medical precaution, administration, politics and not least with respect to culture and social structure can be reached and resilience towards future earthquakes and other catastrophes can be increased.