Daijiworld Media Network – Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Apr 25: As Nepal observed the solemn 10th anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake that shook the Himalayan nation on April 25, 2015, India paid tribute to the resilience of the Nepali people and recalled its swift humanitarian response during the crisis.
“We solemnly remember the lives lost and the resilience of the Nepali people,” the Indian Embassy in Nepal said in a statement, reaffirming the enduring bond between the two countries.
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake, one of the worst in Nepal’s history, claimed nearly 9,000 lives and injured over 22,000. A decade later, the nation gathered to remember the tragedy and to commit to safer infrastructure and preparedness.
A memorial event was held in Sundhara, Kathmandu under the theme 'Let's build safe infrastructure, let's stay safe from earthquakes'. Top dignitaries, including Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, deputy prime minister Prakash Man Singh, and home minister Ramesh Lekhak, joined citizens and diplomats in honouring the victims.
India, as the first international responder during the crisis, had launched ‘Operation Maitri’, one of its largest overseas humanitarian relief missions. Within six hours of the quake, Indian military aircraft, helicopters, and trucks began delivering relief supplies and rescue personnel to Nepal.
Sixteen units of India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) worked alongside Nepali authorities to rescue trapped victims, provide medical care, and clear debris. Relief materials included food, water, mobile hospitals, medicines, tents, blankets, and essential rescue equipment.
In a major contribution to Nepal’s long-term recovery, India announced a US$ 1 billion reconstruction package at the International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction held in Kathmandu on June 25, 2015. Of this, US Dollor 250 million was a grant, and US Dollor 750 million was offered as a concessional line of credit.
As of November 2021, India completed the reconstruction of 50,000 houses, in addition to handing over 44 schools and 18 health facilities to the Government of Nepal, reaffirming its commitment to Nepal’s recovery and development.