UC Riverside professor talks Nepal earthquake

A massive rescue effort is underway in Nepal after a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake Saturday. The death toll is now topping 4,000 and more than 7,000 people injured.

In California experts warn a devastating earthquake of that magnitude or greater is inevitable and the so-called “Big One” could hit tomorrow or 100 years from now.

David Oglesby teaches geophysics at UC Riverside, he and his wife spent their honeymoon in Kathmandu, Nepal.

“Nepal is a beautiful country with some of the highest mountains in the world,” said Oglesby.

Now they’re watching as the most populated area in the country sifts through the rubble of a natural disaster.

“The risk was pretty well known, but there was not much people were able to do prior to do,” said Oglesby.

Oglesby said because of the lack of money in the impoverished country its infrastructure remained poor, the chance of destructive earthquake high.

“The Indian subcontinent is actually colliding with the rest of Asia in this area, a slow motion collision. I remember some of the buildings that I now see destroyed. It’s a reminder to think of how may people live in such very vulnerable places around the globe,” said Oglesby.

California is also vulnerable. With ‘Drop, Cover, and Hold’ exercises, new technology and emergency kits with medications, first aid, bottled water, food and more, will it be enough?

“While it’s true our building standards are such that we wouldn’t expect the same degree of devastation, an earthquake that size is something to be reckoned with no matter where you live or how advanced your building techniques are,” said Oglesby.

Oglesby hopes the aftermath of the Nepal quake will spark awareness.

“Everyone here in Southern California should think about this and use it as an excuse to make themselves ready for our future earthquake,” said Oglesby.