India Stands in Solidarity as Nepal Commemorates 10 Years Since Earthquake
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Synopsis
On April 25th, Nepal marked the 10th anniversary of the devastating earthquake. India celebrated its strong ties with Nepal by recalling its prompt humanitarian assistance following the disaster, emphasizing the enduring relationship between the two nations.
Key Takeaways
- India was the first international responder in Nepal's earthquake relief.
- The earthquake on April 25, 2015, caused nearly 9,000 fatalities.
- Operation Maitri was a significant disaster relief operation by India.
- India provided US$ 1 billion for reconstruction efforts.
- Over 50,000 houses have been reconstructed since the earthquake.
Kathmandu, April 25 (NationPress) As Nepal commemorated the 10th anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake on Friday, India expressed its solidarity by recalling New Delhi's swift support in rescue, relief, and reconstruction efforts following the disaster, showcasing the profound and lasting bonds between the two nations.
“We solemnly honor the lives lost and the resilience of the Nepali people,” stated the Embassy of India in Nepal.
Meanwhile, in Kathmandu, numerous individuals, including senior officials and diplomats, convened to observe the significant anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake. The 7.8-magnitude quake that hit Nepal on April 25, 2015, resulted in nearly 9,000 fatalities and over 22,000 injuries.
Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh, and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were among those present at the special memorial event held at Sundhara in the capital.
The program on Friday was conducted under the theme 'Let's construct safe infrastructure, let's safeguard against earthquakes'.
India has consistently been the first international responder to Nepal during its humanitarian efforts in the wake of natural calamities. The Indian Government executed one of its most extensive overseas disaster relief operations, 'Operation Maitri', following the devastating earthquake in April 2015.
Indian rescue and relief assistance arrived in Nepal within six hours of the earthquake. Indian military aircraft, helicopters, commercial flights, cargo trucks, and trains transported relief supplies and rescue teams to Nepal.
Furthermore, 16 Units of the National Disaster Response Force collaborated with Nepalese security agencies to aid in victim rescues and debris clearance. The relief supplies provided by India included food, water, medicines, medical aid teams, mobile field hospitals, blankets, tents, tarpaulins, engineering task forces and equipment, oxygen regenerators and cylinders, as well as other essential items.
The Ministry of External Affairs reported that the government also unveiled a post-earthquake reconstruction package totaling US$ 1 billion (comprising US $ 250 million in grants and US $ 750 million in concessional Line of Credit) during the International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction held in Kathmandu on June 25, 2015. By November 2021, reconstruction of 50,000 houses was completed, and 44 schools and 18 health facilities were handed over to the Government of Nepal.
