Suvra Kanti Das

On April 25, 2015, a devastating earthquake struck Nepal, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located near the village of Barpak in the Gorkha District. The earthquake claimed nearly 9,000 lives and injured around 22,000 people, displacing millions and forcing many into temporary shelters due to the destruction of homes. The disaster severely impacted the cultural heritage of Nepal, damaging UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan, as well as iconic landmarks like the Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas. Numerous aftershocks followed, including a significant one on May 12, 2015, which exacerbated the destruction and loss of life. The disaster prompted an extensive international humanitarian response, with various countries and NGOs providing crucial aid and support. Recovery efforts have been ongoing, highlighting the need for improved building codes and disaster preparedness to mitigate the impact of future seismic events.