Only a few survivors of the devastating 1990 BS (1934 AD) earthquake are still alive today. However, the majority of people experienced a similar, terrifying event nine years ago during the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake. More recently, an earthquake with its epicenter in Tibet (China) shook Kathmandu and surrounding areas, rekindling fears of seismic risks.
Nepal has been observing Earthquake Safety Day annually on January 15 since 2055 BS in memory of the 1934 earthquake that struck at 2:24 pm. The Earthquake Safety Day Guidelines 2071 BS were introduced to standardize and enhance the observance across the nation.
This year, the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction is organizing the 27th Earthquake Safety Day with the theme: "With lessons, robust structure, and strong preparedness."
Machakaji Maharjan, director general at the department, emphasized the importance of learning from past earthquakes. “The primary lesson is to strengthen preparedness and ensure that buildings are earthquake-resistant,” he said. Maharjan highlighted the critical role of public awareness, urging the media and all sectors to educate citizens about earthquake safety.
Maharjan also stressed implementing the government-issued National Building Code to construct safe structures. Additionally, he called for effective post-disaster measures, including rapid search and rescue operations and ready relief assistance.
Efforts are underway in policy formulation, capacity building, technical advancements, research, and monitoring to enhance compliance with the building code, he said.
Dr. Lok Bijaya Adhikari, a senior seismologist at the National Centre for Seismology and Research, emphasized early warning systems and preparedness to reduce property damage. Disaster management expert Dr. Dharma Raj Upreti noted that inadequate preparedness often leaves the public vulnerable after earthquakes. He highlighted that some survivors are still living in temporary shelters due to delays in relief distribution.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 95,787 private houses in Jajarkot require reconstruction following earthquake damage. The reconstruction and rehabilitation plan is expected to cost Rs 101.12 billion.
Earthquake Safety Day serves as a critical reminder to evaluate past efforts, identify gaps, and strengthen measures to mitigate future risks. By prioritizing robust construction, early warning systems, and public awareness, Nepal can enhance its resilience against inevitable seismic events. (With inputs from RSS)
