CASE STUDY - Nepal earthquake

• The GDP of Nepal is 29 billion USD and on the Human Development Index it is 145th
• capital of Nepal is Kathmandu
• In April 2015, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal

  • caused by Indo-Australian plate beneath Eurasian plate
  • epicentre 80km away from Kathmandu
• it was shallow focus, originating around 15 km below the surface
• triggered huge avalanches and landslides in the Himalayas
• primary effects

  9000 killed and 20000 injured

  • 8 million people affected (1/3 of Nepals population)
  • 7000 schools destroyed, 50% of all shops destroyed, leading to shortages

  power, water, and communications were severely affected

  • 1.4 million people in urgent need of food, water, and shelter
  • total cost of damage around USD$5 billion
  • many historical sites and landmarks damaged
• secondary effects

  • landslides and avalanches on mountain Everest killed 19 people but hundreds were missing
  • landslides blocked rivers
• Immediate responses

  International aid from: Uk, India, CHina

  • Search and rescue teams
  • Medical support
  • Over £87 million raised by donations

  Helicopters were used for search and rescue, giving cut off communities vital supplies

  UNICEF provided 500,000 tents

  • shelter
  • Temporary classrooms and healthcare facilities

  Facebook introduced a safety check feature

  • allowed people to mark themselves “safe” to family and friends
• Long term responses

  By 2019, 75% of homes destroyed from the earthquake were either fully rebuilt or under repair

  • over 7000 schools needed to be rebuilt

  The government introduced stricter building codes with better earthquake resistance

  Landslides were cleared and temporary lakes formed by landslides were carefully drained

  • in June 2015, Nepal hosted an international conference seeking advice and financial support from other countries
  • by August 2015, the Everest base camp was reopened for mountaineers, bringing in tourists