A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal on April 25, 2015. After 26 months of this disaster, the majority of the monuments and buildings still haven’t been reconstructed or renovated.
More than 500,000 households and 2,900 heritage sites were damaged by the earthquake. A year ago, the government had unveiled a massive Rs. 838 billion 5 years plan for the post-quake reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Kathmandu Tribune analyses the post-earthquake recovery process of Nepal in these 2 years.
Inspection
Inspecting and accessing the damaged sites and buildings are the foremost steps of post-disaster recovery. Inspection from various approaches by multiple teams is the key. So far, the damage has been accessed well. The number and the level of damaged were recently seen in a report released by Nepal Planning Commission: Post Disaster Needs Assessment.
Restoration and Rehabilitation
Recent images of the earthquake epicentre, Barpak village, has shown significant signs of recovery.
Similarly, comedian duo Dhurmus-Suntali were successful in setting up an integrated model houses in Musahar community at Mahottari district. This stands as a prime example of a collective effort from local and national level.
Reconstruction
However, most of the buildings and heritage sites in the Kathmandu valley are still seen to be supported by heavy wooden beams.
The government has also failed to put the revised building codes into effective practice. The Earthquake had a big impact on the agricultural industry, the largest occupation in Nepal. However, this sector has been overlooked in the recovery process.
Similarly, the reconstruction authority had committed to start the work on the reconstruction of Dharahara from February 2016. But, the public has failed to see any progress so far.
With the involvement of local manpower and public media, the post-quake recovery is in progress. But, by the look of the time, the process is at a steady pace. More strategical approach from the government and collective effort from the public seems the foremost requirement for now.
