15 moments that shook the planet

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE (2015)

A big earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the scale, wrecked homes all over Nepal and knocked down tall buildings in its capital city, Kathmandu. Because Nepal doesn’t have strong buildings and roads, the earthquake was even more dangerous. But luckily, it happened on a Saturday afternoon, so many people were outside and not in buildings. This probably saved lives. Still, almost 9,000 people died, which could have been much worse.

Nepal’s mountains and rough land made it hard for help to reach faraway places where people were hurt. Rescuers struggled to get there quickly. Many injured people were left without aid for a long time.