Role Of India And China In 2015 Nepal's Earthquake

Abstract

The occurrence of natural disasters remains outside human control. Earthquakes are an unpreventable seismic activity against which humans have almost no control. A massive earthquake of 7.6 magnitudes on 25 April 2015 and a major aftershock of 6.8 magnitudes on 12 May 2015 hit central Nepal. There were 8,790 casualties and 22,300 injuries and affected one-third of Nepal‟s total population (28 million). The April 25, 2015 earthquake in Nepal and the subsequent aftershocks resulted in losses not only in terms of lives and physical infrastructures but also there were social, economic and political impacts. The 2015 Nepal earthquake is one of the most devastating disasters in the modern history of Nepal. There was a wide range of response from all around the world. This overwhelming international response included immediate search and rescue personnel and support, medical teams and support, emergency relief items, as well as assets, from aircraft to deliver aid, to other equipment and machinery to assist in the relief effort. Nepal‟s neighbouring countries, India and China responded immediately and sent search and rescue teams and relief items right after the 2015 Earthquake. The relief efforts in Nepal showcase a competitive aspect of the two major regional powers, as China seeks to gradually increase its influence in South Asia. Both countries have made a significant contribution to Nepal through aid, and via emergency rescue and relief material since the earthquake hit hard in 2015 but they are influenced by differing interests. This thesis had analyzed how India and China utilized relief efforts to increase the sphere of influence in Nepal and the interest of them. The Chinese and Indian relief responses after the Nepal earthquakes are extrapolated to assess their strategic utility.