Home Minister Stresses Preparedness to Reduce Earthquake Damage

Kathmandu — Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal emphasized the need for pre-disaster preparedness to minimize earthquake damage during the 28th Earthquake Memorial Ceremony held at the Geography Park today. He highlighted the importance of enhancing intergovernmental coordination and institutionalizing local government efforts.

“Mutual practice and learning can strengthen capacity,” Aryal said. “Citizens’ awareness and implementation of urban resilience indicators must be improved.”

The ceremony’s chairperson and Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu, Sunita Dangol, stated that community capacity should serve as a tool for disaster preparedness, search and rescue, rehabilitation, and recovery. “During disasters, the community is the first responder and facilitator,” she said, adding that integrated planning and knowledge sharing are essential for building resilient cities.

Prem Thapa, convener of Kathmandu’s Disaster Management Committee, stressed using indigenous skills and resilient structures, noting that traditional architecture withstood past major earthquakes.

Officials from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police, municipal representatives, and civil society organizations participated. The event was observed under the theme: “Preparation of all government levels and citizens: Earthquake Resilient Nepal, Our Responsibility.”

The memorial marks the devastating 1990 earthquake and subsequent quakes, aiming to ensure future generations do not suffer similar losses. The observance, started in 2055 BS, promotes community involvement in safe settlement construction and has been organized under the Home Minister-led main committee since 2058 BS.