Earthquake Recovery Process in Nepal

Disaster preparedness plan of Nepal and Haiti is influenced by their socioeconomic, political and geographical factors. Effective planning and smoother implementation of earthquake response/recovery and rehabilitation efforts could have saved many lives and properties. The study is undertaken to evaluate the hampering and counteracting factors in both countries in view of generating lessons for the government of Nepal, currently tasked with reconstruction following the earthquake of April 25, 2015 and aftershock of May 12, 2015. Common hampering factors include lack of preparedness, transportation obstacles and lack of government efficiency. Unique hampering factors include each country's topography, weather, culture, corruption, security, and level of casualty. The obstacles faced in both countries could be overcome in future by enhancing managerial efficiency and improving methods of relief delivery. Also, the government of Nepal is currently implementing reconstruction policies for safer buildings and settlements. Although it is too early to assess the impacts, the reconstruction policies promise to ensure that Nepal can increase its resilience towards earthquake disasters.

Autorentext

Ramesh K. Dahal, MSc, MA, MBS: Estudou Ciências e Políticas Ambientais na Clark University, EUA. Fez o mestrado em Sociologia e o mestrado em Biologia na Universidade de Tribhuvan, no Nepal. Ramesh tem quinze anos de experiência profissional em ONGI. Tem trabalhos de investigação sobre gestão de recursos naturais e serviços ecológicos sustentáveis. É também compositor de canções sobre desenvolvimento.