completed· Disaster Risk· WASH

Nepal Earthquake 2015: Consolidating the Lessons for Building Better Resilience

Nepal's recovery from the massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake in May 2015 brought hardship and economic challenges. This project will examine approaches to help Nepal manage natural disasters more effectively in the future. Huge economic and infrastructure losses The disaster triggered more than 1,000 landslides that closed roads, damaged hydroelectric power projects, and swept away small cities, villages, and terraced farmlands in the mid-hills. Fourteen of Nepal's 75 districts were severely hit, affecting almost 8 million people. The damage was estimated at US$7 billion, with three-quarters of that amount attributed to destroyed physical assets. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated that losses could exceed country's US$20 billion annual gross domestic product. Post-quake rebuilding effort While the immediate response of national, regional, and international governments and humanitarian groups was impressive, there are concerns about the Nepalese government's ability to oversee the complex post-quake rebuilding effort. After years of slow growth and political turmoil, Nepal lacks the knowledge it needs to develop an effective reconstruction package. The country needs the international community's help to develop better policies and to rebuild its ravaged infrastructure. Time to build Nepal's resiliency The project team will organize a three-day national dialogue to: -reflect on the earthquake's implications -develop future research agendas on disasters -develop resiliency in Nepal The event will convene researchers from the Nepal Water Conservation Foundation networks, private companies, and government agencies to discuss disaster risk reduction and practical options to enhance post-disaster resiliency. Project outputs will include: -Research reports on the issues associated with disasters and livelihoods -Well-defined research agenda on natural disasters and how to develop resiliency -Network of institutions and individuals interested in developing and implementing disaster risk related measures in Nepal