Enhancing Seismic Safety in Nepal

The construction of seismically safe buildings is a critical component of USAID's efforts to reduce vulnerability to earthquakes in Nepal. USAID is working with municipalities in Nepal to enhance seismic safety awareness among the citizenry, particularly in the highly vulnerable Kathmandu Valley. The municipality of Dharan, which was severely affected by the 1998 magnitude 6.8 earthquake that killed more than 700 people and destroyed nearly 65,000 buildings, relies on certified masons to build houses, schools, and other structures in a seismically safe manner. The importance of these masons is marked annually on August 20, the anniversary of the 1998 earthquake. Government officials and residents of Dharan recognize the critical role these masons play in mitigating the impact of future earthquakes. The training of masons in seismically safe building construction techniques is made possible through USAID's Nepal Earthquake Risk Management Program (NERMP). Implemented by NSET from 2005 to 2010, the first phase of NERMP trained more than 1,200 masons, retrofitted public buildings using seismically safe building techniques, conducted earthquake preparedness training and drills in nearly 80 schools, and provided building code implementation assistance to municipalities throughout Nepal. The program was extended for three additional years, continuing initiatives already underway and expanding the program to reach more of Nepal's citizenry. New programs initiated under NERMP include a safe home campaign that aims to raise earthquake safety awareness among all entities involved in Nepal's building production process. Through these programs, USAID and NSET expect to directly reach approximately 168,000 Nepalese citizens and indirectly benefit more than 2 million others. Dharan, once indistinguishable from other municipalities in eastern Nepal for its seismic safety, now serves as a regional disaster risk reduction hub for 14 other municipalities. The citizens of Dharan now recognize that they can play a critical role in mitigating the impact of future earthquakes. The municipality's efforts to enhance seismic safety awareness and promote the use of seismically safe building construction techniques serve as a model for other municipalities in Nepal. By working together, USAID, NSET, and the citizens of Dharan are helping to reduce the vulnerability of Nepal's communities to earthquakes and promote a safer and more resilient future.