An earthquake of magnitude 7.8 on the Richter scale struck Nepal, and has resulted in a death toll of 7,500 and caused serious damage to the nation’s infrastructure, according to Nepal’s Prime Minister. The quake itself occurred on April 25, and is the most powerful earthquake in Nepal since 1934. Casualties in neighboring countries (i.e., India, China, and Bangladesh) have also been reported. Additionally, at least 17 climbers have been killed in the earthquake’s wake on Mount Everest; the effect of the earthquake on the height of Mount Everest is currently being analyzed by expert geologists. According to The Himalayan Times, there were as many as 20,000 foreign nationals in Nepal at the time of the earthquake. As such, there are numerous multinational disaster relief efforts being undertaken currently. The extensive damage to Nepal’s commercial and historical sites, however, has slowed relief efforts and produced long-lasting effects on the nation’s historical heritage.
The airport that much of international aid organizations utilize, Tribhuvan International Airport, has frequently closed and many of its workers have not been able to clock in due to the quake’s aftershocks. Despite the logistical challenges, many international organizations are rushing to Nepal’s aid. India in particular has airlifted thousands of its citizens and others on heavy lift planes such as the C130J Hercules. This operation has become the largest relief effort undertaken by India on foreign soil. China has rushed supplies and a 62-man team made up of veterans from the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake, which had a 70,000 death toll. Despite all the aid Nepal is receiving, Nepal will likely still feel the effects of the earthquake years from now.
Nepal’s earthquakes’ woes have been exacerbated by its poor infrastructure and economy. At the time of the disaster, Nepal was still rebuilding after a 10-year-long civil war. Average gross domestic product per capita was less than $700 a year and most people’s homes were constructed without the help of trained engineers. On top of all of this, much of the aid that Nepal receives has not gone to the most poor and vulnerable places. Keura, for example, is one of many mountain villages susceptible to landslides and other aftereffects. Treacherous and muddy roads prevent the village from receiving the aid it needs. Only helicopters, of which there are not enough, can transport necessary supplies to such villages.
In addition to the increasing death toll, there are injured and thousands that remain unaccounted for. Most of the few hospitals and schools are now too damaged and dangerous to be used. Nepal’s finance minister estimates that at least $2 billion is needed just to rebuild homes, hospitals, and schools. For the years to come, Nepal will need additional help in not only rebuilding, but also restructuring its economy and infrastructure to mitigate any damage a future disaster may inflict.
