Nepal honors victims of 2015 earthquake with resilience and reflection

On April 25, 2025, Nepal held a memorial service to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck on the same date in 2015. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.8, caused significant destruction across the nation, claiming nearly 9,000 lives and injuring over 22,000 people. The disaster damaged around one million houses and buildings, leading to widespread homelessness and a concerted effort for recovery and reconstruction in the years that followed. Since then, the nation has worked diligently to rebuild, and as of the anniversary, about 80% of the destroyed structures, including schools and public buildings, have been rebuilt and upgraded to new safety standards. To honor the victims, Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, along with ministers and diplomats, observed a moment of silence exactly at 11:56 a.m., the time the earthquake struck. During the service, they lit candles in memory of those who lost their lives, acknowledging both the loss and the resilience displayed by the Nepalese people throughout the recovery process. Government assistance, including financial support for families to rebuild homes, has contributed significantly to Nepal's reconstruction, making it a model for recovery efforts worldwide. However, challenges remain, particularly in urban areas, where property disputes and ownership issues have slowed down the rebuilding process. Despite these challenges, the overall progress indicates that Nepal has demonstrated an impressive ability to recover from such a catastrophic event.