A subduction process similar to the one that caused the Ecuadorean quake is happening under the Himalayan region as well, where the Indian plate is getting inside the Chinese landmass. This northward push has been creating a huge amount of tectonic strain in the region, making it particularly prone to earthquakes.
Scientists believe there is so much energy stored in the area that an earthquake of magnitude greater than 8, possibly even 9, would be needed to release it. This earthquake can come at any time. The Nepal earthquake was a result of this same process, but it was relatively weak in magnitude. FULL REPORT
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