A 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Nepal on April 25, 2015, killing nearly 9,000 people as it destroyed homes and heritage sites across the country. The quake also triggered avalanches on Mount Everest that claimed the lives of 22 hikers. A decade later, the nation is still rebuilding, with fresh solutions to protect lives in the event of future quakes. FRANCE 24's Navodita Kumari and Nabeel Ahmed report.
One of the worst-affected places in Nepal during the 2015 earthquake was the village of Langtang, a popular trekking destination. Avalanches triggered by the quake turned this beautiful valley into a mass grave, with layers of rock and ice piling up as high as 30 metres. Over 350 people lost their lives, including around 100 foreigners. Today, despite visible signs of devastation, the village has risen to its feet once again. We meet the families of those who lost loved ones in the tragedy.
Watch moreNepal revisited, one year after the deadly earthquake
The quake also caused severe damage to Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, including iconic sites like Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, affecting nearly 700 historic buildings in total. Today, much of the restoration work is nearing completion.
Given that collapsing buildings caused the most deaths, some NGOs are helping villagers learn how to build quake-resistant homes using local materials combined with modern techniques. Nepal lies on the fault line between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which push against each other at a rate of about 5 centimetres per year. This constant movement builds up pressure, causing frequent earthquakes in the region. Preparation for future quakes is crucial, according to experts.
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