Script by Tai Pham
[Clip: 0:00-0:20, real footage shows the actual moment Nepal began shaking]
The Gorkha earthquake devastated Nepal in 2015, reshaping the landscape and shattering lives. Ancient temples that had stood for centuries crumbled, and even Mt Everest, Earth's highest peak, was reshaped.
[Clip: 0:05-0:10, Everest Avalanche]
Millions faced chaos as the disaster struck without warning. This particular seismic event proved uniquely destructive, distinguishing itself from previous earthquakes in the region.
[Clip: 0:42-0:47, drone footage]
What made the 2015 Nepal earthquake so catastrophic? How did its unprecedented impact unfold, catching an entire nation off guard?
[Show the map of Nepal]
Nepal, a country nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, sits precariously atop a geological time bomb.
[use a high quality clip illustrating the continental collision process and how it leads to mountain formation]
For centuries, the Indian tectonic plate has been pushing northward, colliding with the Eurasian plate. This collision created the towering Himalayan mountain range and makes Nepal one of the most earthquake-prone regions on Earth.
As the plates grind against each other, immense pressure builds up over time. It's a silent, invisible force that lurks beneath the feet of millions. The pressure has been accumulating for decades, if not centuries, and its release is inevitable. The question is not if, but when the earth will violently unleash this pent-up energy.
[Shots of bustling markets in Kathmandu, tourists walking through heritage sites, and children playing in the streets]
On April 25th, Kathmandu Valley bustled with its usual activity. Tourists explored UNESCO World Heritage sites, local vendors set up their shops, and children played in narrow streets. High above in the Himalayas, climbers on Mount Everest prepared for another day of adventure. The population, while aware of the general risk, had no idea of the imminent danger. Many buildings in Kathmandu and surrounding areas were not constructed to withstand major earthquakes, leaving the region vulnerable to seismic events.
[Subtle rumbling sounds in the background as tension builds.]
As the clock ticked towards 11:56 AM Nepal Standard Time, the pressure beneath the earth's surface reached a critical point.
[Show the map of Nepal and slowly zoom in epicentre of earthquake]