1980 Bajhang earthquakeवि.सं. २०३७ बझाङ भूकम्प
A destructive shock in far-western Nepal centred on Bajhang, also hitting Baitadi, Bajura and Darchula — a reminder that the seismically quiet far west remains hazard-prone.
See how this event fits into Nepal's wider history, and explore the districts across the affected region.
Magnitude
ML 6.5
Deaths
125
125 (NSET catalogue)
Date
29 July 1980
14 Shrawan 2037 BS
Epicentre
Bajhang District
approximate (historical)
Epicentre in context
The highlighted circle is this event; the others show Nepal's full major-earthquake record.
Impact
125 people were killed and 248 seriously injured according to the NSET catalogue.
11,604 buildings were destroyed and another 13,414 damaged, with heavy livestock losses in the affected hill districts.
Damage concentrated in Bajhang (Chainpur), Baitadi, Bajura and Darchula districts.
Where sources disagree
- Some compilations cite 46 deaths for the worst-hit zone only, and cross-border tallies including India reach ≈200; the NSET national figure of 125 covers Nepal's affected districts.
- Sources split between 29 and 31 July 1980 for the date; instrumental catalogues (NOAA NCEI) record 29 July.
Amarnepal states ranges rather than inventing a single figure when credible sources differ.
Frequently asked questions
How strong was the 1980 Bajhang earthquake?+
The 1980 Bajhang earthquake had a magnitude of ML 6.5.
When did the 1980 Bajhang earthquake happen?+
It struck on 29 July 1980 (14 Shrawan 2037 BS in the Bikram Sambat calendar).
How many people died in the 1980 Bajhang earthquake?+
Deaths: 125 (NSET catalogue). Injuries: 248 seriously injured.
Where was the epicentre of the 1980 Bajhang earthquake?+
The epicentre was at Bajhang District, far-western Nepal (approximate, reconstructed from historical records), at coordinates 29.6°N, 81.1°E.
Sources & data note
Figures for the 1980 Bajhang earthquake as documented by the listed sources. Historical epicentres are approximate.