Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed the need for effective preparedness from all quarters to stay safe from natural disasters like earthquakes. Addressing an event organised by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority commemorating the 27th National Earthquake Safety Day today, the Prime Minister said the integrated settlements developed after the 2015 earthquake are relatively safe. He said losses can be mitigated by making quake-resistant houses and structures.
Earthquake Safety Day has been observed every year in Nepal since 1999 to commemorate the earthquake that occurred on 15 January afternoon in the year 1934. Earthquake Safety Day is marked across Nepal by conducting various activities with the theme ‘With lessons, robust structure and strong preparedness taught by the previous earthquakes’. Increased public awareness and preparedness minimise earthquake risk. The Dharahara Tower in Kathmandu represents the resilience of Nepal to earthquakes. It was shattered by a 90-year-old earthquake in 1934, it was rebuilt and was again reduced to dust during the 2015 earthquake. This was rebuilt and reopened to the public on September 21, 2024. The catastrophe due to the 1934 earthquake that happened on today’s date is not scripted, but the story of suffering has passed from generations.