Kathmandu Marks 28th Earthquake Memorial, Stresses Preparedness

Kathmandu – Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said it is important to be prepared to reduce earthquake damage. Speaking at the 28th Earthquake Memorial today at Geography Park, he said different levels of government must work together to face disasters.

Minister Aryal said efforts by local governments should be made permanent. “Practicing together and learning from each other can improve our skills,” he said. “We must raise citizen awareness and make our cities stronger and more prepared.”

Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol said communities play a key role in disaster response. “During disasters, the first helpers are the local communities,” she said. “To make the city resilient, governments need to share knowledge and plan together. We should all work together for this.”

Prem Thapa, coordinator of the city’s Disaster Management Committee, said traditional skills can help build earthquake-resistant buildings. “Many old buildings survived big earthquakes. We should promote these skills,” he added.

The event was attended by officials from the army, police, armed police, city leaders, government departments, and NGOs working in disaster management. The day was observed under the slogan: “Preparedness of all governments, readiness of all citizens: Earthquake-Resilient Nepal, Our Responsibility.”

Earthquake Safety Day is celebrated every year on Magh 2 to remind people of the 1990 earthquake and to teach future generations how to build safer settlements. The day has been observed since 2055 BS and is now led by the Home Minister’s committee.