A workshop on “Earthquake Hazard Assessment and Aftershock Forecasting” was held from February 27th to 29th, 2024, at the National Society for Earthquake Technology Nepal (NSET) building, Bhainsepati, Lalitpur Metropolitan City. Vice-Principal Er. Ratna Shova Prajapati along with Er. Anil Kasula participated in the workshop on behalf of this college. The seminar aimed to catalyze collaborative efforts towards enhancing knowledge of seismic hazards in Nepal and establishing a cooperative system for regular discussion on seismic hazard evaluation among seismic hazard and earthquake engineering professionals.

The workshop was organized jointly by the National Society for Earthquake Technology Nepal (NSET) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) with funding support from USAID/ Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) in collaboration with Earthquake Safety Solutions (ESS) under the guidance of the Department of Mines and Geology (DMG) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) of the Government of Nepal. 

The three-day workshop focused on Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA), its concept, methodologies, and forecasting future seismic risk via presentation and discussion. On the first day, the workshop commenced with a welcome speech by Mr. Surya Naryan Shrestha, Executive Director, NSET, followed by keynote presentations by eminent experts from USGS, NSET, and NDRRMA providing an overview of earthquake hazard assessment and the significance of aftershock forecasting in disaster management. The technical session commenced with a presentation on recent developments in Seismic Hazard Studies in Nepal by Dr. Sudhir Rajaure, Former Director General of DMG, and by Er. Sujan Maka, Principal, Khwopa Engineering College. Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in interactive sessions led by Dr. Susan E. Hough, Earthquake Program US-South Asia Coordinator, USGS, and Dr. Lisa Scheicher, Data Center Manager, National Strong Motion Project, USGS. Key topics covered included seismic hazard assessment concepts, methodologies, and forecasting aftershocks using advanced techniques and tools. Hands-on training sessions provided attendees with practical experience in earthquake hazard assessment techniques, ground motion modeling, forecasting future seismic risk, aftershock forecasting, and efforts in instrumentation for collecting seismic data.

Overall, the workshop proved to be a resounding success, and participants gained valuable knowledge and skills, paving the way for enhanced preparedness and mitigation measures.