{"id":3030,"date":"2017-04-27T15:30:07","date_gmt":"2017-04-27T21:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/disasterresponse\/?p=3030"},"modified":"2019-10-25T08:10:02","modified_gmt":"2019-10-25T13:10:02","slug":"nepal-earthquake-2-years-later","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/disasterresponse\/nepal-earthquake-2-years-later\/","title":{"rendered":"Nepal Earthquake: 2 years later"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>On\u00a0April 25, 2015, around 11:55 a.m. local time, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake shook Nepal, with its epicenter approximately 43 miles from its capital city, Kathmandu. The earthquake was felt around the whole country, but the Kathmandu valley and western region of the country were hit hardest.<\/p>\n

On May 12, 2015, just a little more than two weeks later, around 12:50 p.m. local time, another earthquake struck Nepal approximately 47 miles northeast of its capital, Kathmandu \u2013 an area already affected by the April 25 earthquake. The 7.3-magnitude earthquake, while still considered an aftershock of the previous quake, was followed by several strong aftershocks that continued to be felt in the region. More than 8,460 people were killed and more than 480,000 homes damaged or destroyed.<\/p>\n

From the very beginning, Lutheran Disaster Response has been working with a network of partners who are actively engaged with communities on the ground. Within days of the first and second earthquake, resources were mobilized. In an interview, Dr. Prabin Manandhar, the Country Director for the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Nepal and a native of the country, said, “The earthquake happened at 11:55 a.m. and I was in the office by 2 o’clock.” Immediate distribution of ready-to-eat food, blankets, and hygiene kits was provided to households. Water filtration units and personal care kits were also a priority in the beginning stages of recovery.<\/p>\n

Being dedicated to more than just the immediate recovery, \u00a0cash-for-work programs were initiated for debris cleanup and water maintenance. Small grants and training for self-help groups were organized and training in agriculture, livestock support and income generation took place in rural areas. Because much of the land was disrupted by the earthquake, support was given to farmers with seed distribution, irrigation projects, and soil management. Ten mini tractors were also supplied.<\/p>\n

Now, 2 years later, we are still working with The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), United Mission to Nepal (UMN), Shanti Nepal and Lutheran World Relief (LWR), helping to rebuild communities and improve lives. While recovery of physical property is important for the safety of families who were affected by the earthquakes, care for the all-around well-being of those impacted is something that cannot be overlooked. “Before any of us, it is the\u00a0people\u00a0saving people. That happens not when you have resilient buildings,” Dr. Manandhar said. ”\u00a0That happens when you have resilient people.” To that end, Lutheran Disaster Response continues to engage in many forms.<\/p>\n