Nepal is observing the 10th memorial day of the Gorkha Earthquake today with various programs taking place across the country to honor the lives lost and reflect on lessons learned.
On this day in 2015, a devastating 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the nation, with its epicenter in Barpak, Gorkha district. The quake claimed the lives of 9,079 people, injured 22,309, and caused widespread destruction. Over 800,000 private homes were destroyed and around 1,500 cultural heritage sites suffered severe damage.
The earthquake heavily affected 14 districts, including Gorkha, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Nuwakot, Dhading, Rasuwa, Makawanpur, Sindhuli, and Okhaldhunga.
The memorial day is being observed not just in remembrance, but also to raise awareness about earthquake preparedness and the need for resilient infrastructure development.
A special event is being held today at the Dharahara premises in Sundhara, Kathmandu, where Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is expected to attend and address the gathering.
As the nation looks back on one of its most tragic events, the day serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster resilience, collective recovery, and building a safer future.