Although the aftershock measured as a minor shock, the tremor was felt powerfully as the quake had set off just 10 kilometers down the earth.
"I simply ignored it," Sijapati grinned. Not only Sijapati but the whole locality remained calm as if nothing had happened. Unlike during previous shocks, people neither screamed nor did they rush for safety.According to Sijapati, a second year MBBS student, he remained on his bed and waited for the shake to ease off.
"I was reading when the minor aftershock struck. But it did not scare me because I knew it would subside immediately. Aftershocks nowadays rarely frighten me, I have grown used to it now," said Sijapati. "We must learn to live with these aftershocks for a while."
After spending a few weeks under temporary shelters, almost all the people have moved to their respective houses in Mahalaxmisthan area. The open area near the Ring Road was full of tents but not anymore.
Arun Gurung, a local shopkeeper, shared that he was not afraid when the aftershock occurred at night. "To be honest, I no longer feel the tremors," said Gurung.
After the three major jolts of April 25, 26 and May 12, Nepal has been experiencing at least two minor quakes a day. As per the record of Nepal Seismological Centre (NSC), in the last ten days, a total of 42 minor shocks with an average of 4.4 magnitude have been experienced since May 20.
Director at NSC, Lok Bijaya Adhikari asserted that minor shocks have gradually replaced the major tremors. However, he said this recurrent activity of aftershocks will remain constant for at least 5 months.
"Generally, quake above 4 magnitude is felt by humans and its impact depends on the location of epicenters," said Adhikari.
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