Nepal has always been vulnerable to earthquakes. As a result, the country has seen great devastation, including one of the largest earthquakes ever faced on the 25th of April 2015–infamously named the Gorkha Earthquake. In addition, several para-quakes occurred in the following months. This earthquake saw mass destruction of land, infrastructure, housing, and, as a result, the livelihoods of individuals living in Nepal. This calamity brought about widespread economic and social disruptions across communities.
Consequently, it is imperative to understand the immediate and long-term impacts on the livelihoods of individuals who faced this earthquake and consider preventative measures for the future.
Impact on Individuals
Earthquakes significantly impact individuals, whether through loss of homes and property, economic hardships, or psychological and emotional toll. Since 1950, more than 9,800 people have died from direct consequences of earthquakes. The Gorkha Earthquake of 2015 had a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale, resulting in 8,200 deaths. Nearly one-third of the Nepal population was affected, and almost a million houses were affected or destroyed. Individuals were significantly displaced.An anonymous person described the moment they first realized they were in an earthquake, stating they could “hear the buildings creak” and that “At that moment, I was scared for my family.” This individual shared that after the major earthquake, they had to sleep in their car for days, unable to contact their mother and sister. Additionally, many of the city’s streets were rendered nearly impassable by both earthquake debris and “tent cities” set up in open spaces by Kathmandu residents afraid to return to their homes. This further hindered rescue attempts to reach those still trapped in the wreckage.
Community-Wide Effects
As the Gorkha earthquake wreaked havoc throughout the country, there were vast community-wide effects on community services such as healthcare, education,, and transportation. Some of the most heavily inhabited areas of Kathmandu and rural communities were utterly destroyed by landslides caused by the earthquake. This consequently caused damage to schools, hospitals, and workplaces and a blockage along travel routes throughout the country, displacing individuals from their families and disrupting the many streams of daily life. Housing posed a significant safety risk, especially with many multi-story buildings. One individual shared how they temporarily relocated to their ancestral village, staying with extended family in makeshift housing due to fears of aftershocks and the instability of neighboring houses. Schools were also affected, with classes being suspended for over two months. When they resumed, it was in a temporary setup, as structural damage made the original building unsafe.
Long-Term Economic Consequences
Long-term economic damage included challenges in reconstruction, agriculture, and tourism. While the Nepalese government and military swiftly responded, it took over three years for the economy to recover and two more years to rebuild homes and infrastructure. The disaster cost the country an estimated $10 billion and halved its economic output. Additionally, agricultural land was significantly affected, ultimately impacting food security in the country. The collapse of houses in rural areas led to the destruction of most food grains and significant livestock losses.
Additionally, during crucial sowing months (June and July), the agricultural workforce instead focused on finding shelter and rebuilding, likely reducing agricultural production the following year. Tourism was also significantly affected, with a 32% reduction , the largest fall in Nepal’s tourism history. This has subsequently impacted hotels, cafes, restaurants,, and tourist entertainment companies.
Social and Community Resilience
Resilience played a key role in Nepal’s recovery from the earthquake, with social capital driving collective efforts in rescue and rebuilding. Community art such as murals, poetry,, and dance emerged, offering emotional relief and conveying hope while creating physical and emotional safe spaces. Art became a means of coping, communication, and promoting unity. Additionally, the country saw support from various NGOs, including Oxfam, who worked with local partners in Nepal for disaster preparedness and with communities for livelihood restoration and resilience empowerment. With help from the United Nations, thousands of volunteers, and over 450 humanitarian agencies, Nepal witnessed a global response of support for their country
Overall Long-term Effects (Livelihood)
One survivor of the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake described how their family relocated due to safety concerns, emphasizing that it’s hard to convey the experience to others: “Unless you’ve been there, you can’t really imagine what it’s like.” They described the experience as similar to “someone [putting] you in a jar and started shaking you violently”. This trauma lingers throughout life, influencing daily living conditions and causing ongoing anxiety about personal safety in Nepal. The lasting emotional and psychological toll of such a devastating event continues to affect those who lived through it.
Our Call to Action
As such, change must be made. There is a need for safer housing alternatives, with 49% of houses not currently meeting the standards for secure housing. There is also a need for greater accessibility to healthcare, food supplies, and housing alternatives. In the meantime, individuals can educate themselves on earthquake safety and participate in maintenance strategies. Preparing an emergency kit with essentials like canned food, water, and battery-powered electronics, along with having a clear emergency plan, is a practical step toward enhancing earthquake preparedness. Progress depends on these proactive measures.
Conclusion
Nepal’s earthquake vulnerability is rooted in its geographical position, where two tectonic plates converge beneath the Himalayas. The devastating Gorkha Earthquake on April 25, 2015, along with its aftershocks, resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure, housing, and livelihoods. The resulting economic and social disruptions profoundly affected communities. Understanding both the immediate and long-term impacts of this disaster is essential for developing effective preventative measures for the future. By prioritizing safety, preparedness, and resilience, Nepal can better withstand future seismic events.
