Can Birds and Animals Predict Disaster? A Case Study from Nepal Earthquake 2015

Abstract

There is no doubt that Nepal is prone to various types of natural disasters due to the geophysical structures. Due to less aware population, absence of latest technology and lack of skilled manpower, each year thousands of people lost their lives due to flood, earthquake, landslides, debris flow, fire, epidemic, avalanches, glacier lake outbursts, windstorm, thunderbolt, hailstorm, and drought. The survey analysis of 30 respondents and thematic analysis based on the interview session systematically quantifies that there is some level of inter- link between the animal behaviors and disasters based on 2015 Gorkha Earthquake. Much research still needs to be done in this subject understanding the pattern, behavior, training of animals for low-cost preparedness in remote and non-city area. This can be helpful developing countries like Nepal, India, and other south Asian countries.