10Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu sits close to the Himalayan collision zone, where the Indian Plate continues pushing beneath the Eurasian Plate.
The devastating magnitude 7.8 Gorkha earthquake of April 2015 showed how destructive Himalayan earthquakes can be.
Thousands of people were killed across Nepal and numerous historic temples, homes and other structures were destroyed or badly damaged.
For visitors, one of the important considerations is building quality. Kathmandu contains everything from newer reinforced buildings to older masonry structures and historic properties that may be more vulnerable during severe shaking.
Narrow streets and densely built neighbourhoods can also complicate evacuation and emergency access after a major disaster.
Traveller tip: Historic character is wonderful, but when choosing accommodation it is reasonable to ask when a building was constructed or renovated and whether it follows modern earthquake-resistant standards.
