This book addresses earthquakes with a special focus on the Ghorka earthquake which struck
parts of central Nepal in April 2015. Drawing on this disastrous event it closely examines
various aspects of earthquakes in contributions prepared by international experts. The topics
covered include: the geological and geophysical background of seismicity a detailed inventory
of the damage done by the earthquake effective damage prevention through earthquake-safe
buildings and settlements restoration options for world-heritage buildings strategies for
providing technical and medical relief and lastly questions associated with public life and
economy in a high-risk seismic zone. Combining perspectives from various fields the book
presents the state of the art in all earthquake-related fields and outlines future approaches
to risk identification damage prevention and disaster management in all parts of society
administration and politics in Nepal. Beyond the specific disaster in Nepal the findings
presented here will have broader implications for how societies can best deal with disasters.
