I still remember the chaos of April 25, 2015. The ground beneath me trembled violently, buildings cracked like fragile shells, and people ran in terror. In those horrifying minutes, life in Nepal changed forever. Nearly 9,000 people lost their lives, over 22,000 were injured, and millions were left homeless. Centuries-old temples crumbled, and entire villages were wiped out. It felt as if Nepal had been broken at its core.
As a journalist, I witnessed the devastation firsthand. I saw families huddled under makeshift tents, children crying for their parents, and rescuers digging through rubble with bare hands. But amidst the despair, I also saw resilience—the unwavering spirit of people determined to rise again. In the days that followed, the world extended its support, and the United Nations (UN) played a crucial role in helping Nepal through the crisis.
In the hours following the earthquake, the response was frantic yet uncoordinated. The Nepal government introduced a one-door policy to regulate aid distribution, aiming to prevent duplication and mismanagement. However, this also led to delays, as international relief efforts had to navigate bureaucratic hurdles before reaching those in dire need. Despite these challenges, the UN swiftly mobilized its agencies—UNDP, OCHA, WFP, UNICEF, WHO, and others—to work alongside the government and local organizations.
With entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, millions of people were left homeless overnight. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and International Organization for Migration (IOM) provided tents and household supplies, ensuring families had at least some protection from the elements.
Food insecurity gripped the country as roads were blocked and supply chains were disrupted. The World Food Programme (WFP) delivered over 20,000 metric tons of food, reaching even the most remote villages. Meanwhile, UNICEF and WHO launched urgent efforts to prevent malnutrition and ensure access to clean water, knowing that disease outbreaks could follow if sanitation was neglected.
With hospitals overwhelmed and medical supplies running low, the World Health Organization (WHO) stepped in, deploying emergency health teams and establishing temporary medical centers. To prevent outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases, aid agencies distributed hygiene kits and installed water purification systems in crowded camps.
Rebuilding Nepal
As the dust settled, a new challenge emerged—rebuilding Nepal from the ground up. The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA), supported by the UNDP and UN-Habitat, took charge of the massive task of reconstruction.
Rebuilding homes wasn’t just about replacing what was lost—it was about ensuring earthquake-resistant construction for future safety. Engineers and masons, trained with UN-Habitat’s support, helped communities rebuild using seismic-resistant techniques.
Nearly one million children were left without classrooms. UNICEF and UNESCO worked with the Nepalese government to establish temporary learning centers and rebuild schools under the Build Back Better approach, incorporating safety measures and emergency drills.
Hospitals and health centers were also reconstructed with disaster-resilient designs, ensuring that medical services wouldn’t be crippled in future disasters.
Nepal’s rich cultural heritage suffered massive destruction. UNESCO led the restoration of historic temples and monuments, preserving traditional craftsmanship while integrating modern safety measures.
Beyond physical rebuilding, people needed to restore their livelihoods. UNDP’s cash-for-work programs, microfinance initiatives, and skill development projects helped the affected families regain financial stability. In rural areas, the FAO provided seeds, tools, and training to farmers who had lost everything.
Are we prepared?
The 2015 earthquake exposed Nepal’s vulnerabilities, and while recovery efforts have made significant progress, our preparedness for future disasters remains questionable. Recent flash floods and landslides have once again tested our disaster response system—and the results have been concerning.
Just a few months ago, Kathmandu was submerged under floodwaters after hours of torrential rain overwhelmed the city’s poor drainage system. Roads turned into rivers, homes were inundated, and families were trapped inside their houses, waiting for rescue. The scene was eerily reminiscent of past disasters—a reminder that despite years of recovery efforts, Nepal remains dangerously unprepared for extreme weather events.
Despite early warning systems and disaster management policies, Nepal’s response to these recent calamities has been slow, uncoordinated, and reactive rather than proactive. The one-door policy, though well-intended, still creates logistical delays. Roads remain vulnerable, emergency shelters are insufficient, and many communities are left without immediate assistance when disaster strikes.
Moving forward, Nepal must prioritize disaster preparedness and risk reduction to avoid repeating the past. Strengthening early warning systems, ensuring the rapid deployment of aid, and improving coordination between government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations are critical steps. Investing in earthquake-resistant infrastructure, enhancing drainage systems to prevent urban flooding, and equipping communities with disaster response training can significantly reduce future risks. The question remains: Are we truly prepared for the next big disaster? Recent events suggest that we are not. Therefore, UN agencies must step in once again—not just to rebuild after disasters but to strengthen Nepal’s preparedness before the next one strikes.
Januka Regmi is the Editor of Sandesh Dainik. She writes on issues related to international affairs and international organizations.
Comment