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2w ago

Nepal Marks 10 Years Since Earthquake, But Safety Concerns Persist

A decade after the 2015 disaster, rebuilding efforts have restored much of Nepal’s infrastructure, yet low compliance with safety standards leaves the country vulnerable to future quakes.

Rescuers look at damaged buildings in Bhaktapur, on the outskirts of Kathmandu, on April 27, 2015
Ram Bahadur Nakarmi, a survivor of the 2015 earthquake, looks out a window at his residence during an interview with AFP
An under-construction heritage structure at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square in Kathmandu
Nepalese police and army personnel on April 29, 2015, clear the rubble of temples at Durbar square, damaged by the earthquake in Kathmandu

Overview

  • The 2015 earthquake killed nearly 9,000 people, injured over 22,000, and left millions homeless, exposing critical weaknesses in Nepal's disaster response systems.
  • Approximately 90% of homes and thousands of public buildings destroyed have been rebuilt, with a 44% reduction in buildings at risk of collapse, according to joint assessments.
  • The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) was established, and seismic building codes were updated to improve disaster preparedness.
  • A 2023 audit revealed only 9.4% of schools, health centers, and government buildings meet safety standards, with rural areas particularly vulnerable due to weaker infrastructure.
  • Experts, including the World Bank, warn that despite significant progress, uneven enforcement of policies leaves Nepal dangerously underprepared for another major earthquake.