The tenth memorial day of the Gorkha Earthquake is being marked across Nepal today, April 25, 2025, with various commemorative events.
On April 25, 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the country, with its epicenter in Barpak, Gorkha district. The disaster claimed 9,079 lives, injured 22,309 people, and caused widespread destruction. More than 800,000 private houses and 1,500 cultural heritage sites were damaged.
The most affected districts included Gorkha, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Nuwakot, Dhading, Rasuwa, Makawanpur, Sindhuli, and Okhaldhunga.
The day is being observed to raise awareness about earthquake preparedness and promote resilient infrastructure development. A special memorial event is taking place on the premises of Dharahara in Sundhara, Kathmandu, with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli scheduled to attend.
President Calls for Greater Earthquake Preparedness
In a message on the occasion, President Ram Chandra Paudel emphasized the need for widespread public awareness and preparedness to reduce earthquake risks. While earthquakes cannot be prevented, he said, the risks can be minimized through informed planning and action.
President Paudel noted that Nepal's topography and vulnerable infrastructure make it particularly prone to earthquake-related disasters. He urged all stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns and promote effective safety measures.
He also expressed heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives during the 2015 quake and subsequent aftershocks. In his message, the President thanked everyone involved in post-quake reconstruction and the resettlement of affected communities.
4.2 Magnitude Quake Jolts Rukum East
Rukum East district experienced an earthquake measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale at 7:34 p.m. on Thursday. According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre, the epicenter was located in Ranmamaikot.
The western region of Nepal has witnessed a series of minor tremors in recent weeks. -- RSS
