Reflections on Nepal’s resilience: Journey of a nation rocked by earthquake nine years ago
On the anniversary of the April 25, 2015 earthquake in Nepal, memories of the devastating day resurface, reminding us of the resilience and strength exhibited by the country Nepal and its people. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake with epicentre near the district of Gorkha claimed nearly 9,000 lives and injured over 22,000.
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In the face of such massive devastation, the response from both national and international communities was swift. The government of Nepal, along with numerous international aid agencies, mobilised quickly to provide emergency relief and medical care. Rescue and recovery teams from around the world came to assist in the efforts, pulling survivors from the rubble and providing essential supplies. This phase was crucial in stabilising the situation and preventing further loss of life and health complications.
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Communities today are more engaged in disaster preparedness drills and have better knowledge of building resilient structures. The lessons learnt from the 2015 earthquake have transformed Nepal’s approach to managing natural disasters, aiming to safeguard its people and heritage against future calamities.
In response to Nepal’s 2015 earthquake, the government of the neighbouring country India joined hands with civil society groups to help the country rebuild. Delhi-based foundation SEEDS, for instance, facilitated sustainable reconstruction, set up emergency schools, built 2,520 resilient ‘Namaste Ghar’ shelters and helped address water scarcity with innovative solutions. It also oversaw the construction of 26,912 homes in Gorkha, enhancing community engagement and training.
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