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Nepal Earthquake

One month after the devastating earthquake that left more than 8,000 dead, relief operations continue as Nepal begins to count the cost of the disaster.

By Asian Development Bank

June 4^th, 2015

The Devastation

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck on 25 April and subsequent aftershocks and landslides killed over 8,600 people and damaged hundreds of thousands of homes and buildings.

Almost half a million houses have been destroyed and more than 250,000 damaged, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

An old man sits in his bed next to his demolished home.

Food and livestock damaged

The quakes also destroyed food stocks, livestock and farmland. Disruption to the agriculture, industry, and services sectors could push Nepal’s economic growth down to 3.8% this fiscal year or even lower. Many Agriculture and Livestock Service Centers have been severely damaged or destroyed, affecting their capacity to provide services to farmers.

No Classrooms

According to the UN, an estimated 870,000 children will be unable to resume school on 31 May due to destroyed classrooms. Thousands more will need support to access education services. The earthquakes destroyed over 25,000 classrooms. Another 10,000 classrooms will require repair. In addition to the impact on facilities and buildings, many children and their teachers require psychosocial support and the protective environment that emergency education provides

Road blockage

According to the Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads, the quake and subsequent landslides have badly damaged more than 4,300 km of district and village roads.

Strong Community Spirit

Local communities were and continue to be the first to respond. Village development committees, the private sector, and volunteers remain committed to helping the huge number of people affected by the disaster.

Support from the international community

The international community was quick to show support to government-led relief efforts. International search and rescue and medical teams arrived in Nepal within hours of the first earthquake, supported by military and civil defense assets.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has already handed over a $3 million grant from the Asia-Pacific Disaster Response Fund for immediate relief efforts in Nepal and will provide up to $200 million more for the first phase of rehabilitation. It has also expanded by $40 million the financing available through its Trade Finance Program to help Nepal’s banks finance imports for reconstruction.

Road to Recovery

Given the substantial loss of food stocks, livestock, and farmland, livelihood recovery is particularly critical. Immediate support is needed to help affected people get transitional shelters that can withstand the monsoon season. Farmers need assistance to resume preparations for the rice sowing season that starts in a few weeks.

Building back better

According to a study, 60% of housing stocks in Nepal are semi-permanent or temporary. Housing standards in most cases do not comply with building regulations.

“We need to view this earthquake recovery as an opportunity to strengthen building by-laws, where needed, and strengthen capacities for enforcement,” said ADB Vice President Bindu Lohani.

Footnotes

Text by Binita Shah Khadka and photos by Samir Jung Thapa.

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FootNotes

Text by Binita Shah Khadka and photos by Samir Jung Thapa.