Six months on from the earthquake in Nepal
Six months have passed since a 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on 25 April 2015, with the epicenter about 80 kilometers northwest of the capital, Kathmandu. This was followed by another magnitude 7.4 earthquake to the northeast near Mount Everest on 12 May. According to the government of Nepal, more than 8,800 people were killed. The effect on housing was devastating, as the government reports more than 602,000 homes destroyed and 285,000 homes damaged. The Nepal government declared a state of emergency and requested international aid. Many international agencies responded, including Habitat for Humanity.
In the subsequent months since the earthquakes, the recovery process in Nepal has moved on from the emergency phase, and recovery and reconstruction has begun. Habitat’s strong donor support and contributions have been instrumental in ensuring the completion of the emergency programs, which were completed within a period of five months.
Work completed in Nepal included the distribution of 5,065 temporary shelter kits, 20,000 water backpacks, and the removal of 650 tons of earthquake rubble. Surveyors have conducted safety assessments for 16,244 damaged houses, to help families determine if their homes are still safe for habitation, to facilitate demolishment of unsafe homes, and to provide technical support to those able to repair or retrofit their homes. Altogether, emergency programs benefitted affected families in 12 districts of Nepal.
In early July, Habitat for Humanity held a groundbreaking ceremony for the first permanent houses to be built in the village of Pipaltar, in the district of Kavrepalanchok. The first model house has been completed and safety assessments, demolitions of unsafe homes and site development through construction of roads were also conducted in the community.
Construction on more permanent houses was planned to continue, but amid current challenges, including fuel shortages and the unavailability of construction materials related to border blockages and other difficulties in the country, projects have been delayed and timelines will be adjusted.
Looking to the future, while current conditions prevent the full implementation of projects, Habitat is pursuing additional measures in Nepal. These include reworking project delivery schedules, seeking local organizations to help support technical assistance and core house programs, and supporting local communities with holistic services.