RETRACTED ARTICLE: Field evidence of Gorkha earthquake of 25 April (7.8 M) and Kodari earthquake of 12 May 2015 (7.2 M) in Nepal

Abstract

ABSTRACT25 April 2015 Gorkha Earthquake (Mw 7.8) and 12 May 2015 Kodari Earthquake (Mw 7.3) have been considered as devastating earthquakes with a heavy toll of lives and loss of properties. The present study envisages the visit of the various damaged sites affected by the recent earthquakes. The existing attenuation relationship from various existing models fails to explain the observed ground motion parameters. The Gorkha earthquake occurred as the result of thrust faulting near the Main Frontal Fault and Kodari earthquake occurred due to thrust faulting near the decollément associated with the Main Himalayan Thrust, which defines the interface between the underthrusting Indian and the overriding Eurasian Plates. The Kodari earthquake is located beyond the eastern end of that of Gorkha earthquake, but, it is not considered as aftershocks. These earthquakes caused considerable damage to life and properties and induced many mass movements in mountainous areas, which could be another cause of secondary dis...