On 25 April 2015, Nepal was struck with a devastating earthquake of 7.6 magnitude with its epicenter in Barpak, Gorkha. The same day the government of Nepal declared an emergency in Nepal, requesting for international support. The loss of thousands of lives and a great amount of infrastructure damage caused by the earthquake affected millions of people living in Nepal.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the country’s western and central development regions including Kathmandu Valley were affected the most by the earthquake. While the most loss of lives and property occurred in the districts of Gorkha, Lamjung, Sindhupalchowk, Dhading, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dolakha and
Kathmandu valley in the Central Region.
The collapse of several villages, public and historic buildings impacted the livelihoods of millions of people in Nepal.
According to the immediate assessment report conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, a total of 416359 houses were damaged (fully damaged – 202157, partially damaged-214202). 200546 private houses were completely damaged and 20287 private houses were partially damaged.
A significant amount of the population were displaced from their homes, and lived in Tents/Tarpaulins. 229298 tents were provided by the neighboring country India alone and 340221 tents were provided by China, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea.
Relief assistance and aid were provided by various international organizations. Alongside the government, various organizations are currently working on reconstruction projects in Nepal.
