A series of huge avalanches and rock avalanches induced by Gurkha Earthquake and aftershocks in Langtang Himal in 2015

Abstract

Catastrophic avalanches occurred in Langtang Himal triggered by Nepal Gurkha Earthquake in 2015 of which scale was Mw 7.8. Rock avalanches of almost 1 million cubic meters occurred about one month after the main shock, comparing satellite images and oblique aerial photographs taken on 4th, 24th, 25th, and on 28th May. However, the detritus on the hanging glacier was covered by avalanches and was partly swept away by the avalanches on 1st June. The hanging glacier was again covered by rock avalanches in the middle November. It suggests that collapse of the wall and glacier have continued after the earthquake.