The April 25, 2015, Gorkha, Nepal, Earthquake: An Expected Event that Defied Expectations

Scientists have long known that large earthquakes will inevitably occur along the Himalaya front.

Experts had long feared that large earthquakes would take a devastating toll on Nepal.

The 2015 Gorkha earthquake killed nearly 9,000 people, but the toll was not as catastrophic as had been feared.

Analysis of available data is helping scientists understand why damage was not worse, and what lessons can be drawn about hazard from future earthquakes.