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Kathmandu, April 25, 2025 – Nepal solemnly commemorated the 10th anniversary of the devastating Gorkha earthquake, which struck on April 25, 2015, claiming nearly 9,000 lives, injuring over 22,000 people, and damaging around one million structures across the country. The central remembrance ceremony was held at the site of the historic Dharahara tower in Kathmandu, where Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Executive Chief of NDRRMA Dinesh Prasad Bhatta, senior government officials, and international diplomats gathered to pay tribute to the victims. A minute of silence was observed at exactly 11:56 a.m., the time the magnitude 7.8 quake struck a decade earlier, followed by the lighting of candles in memory of those lost.

In his address, Prime Minister Oli acknowledged the immense loss Nepal had endured and lauded the resilience and unity shown by the Nepali people during the years of recovery. He also expressed deep gratitude to Nepal's international partners for their unwavering support in rescue operations, humanitarian relief, and long-term reconstruction efforts. He emphasized the importance of public awareness and earthquake preparedness, noting that while natural disasters cannot be prevented, their impacts can be significantly reduced through education, infrastructure improvements, and disaster risk management.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak highlighted the crucial role of improved governance and community engagement in building disaster resilience. He stressed the government’s commitment to strengthening institutional frameworks and ensuring that lessons from the past continue to guide future actions.

Executive Chief of NDRRMA, Mr. Dinesh Prasad Bhatta, shared that Nepal has made significant progress in post-earthquake reconstruction over the past decade. He reported that approximately 80% of damaged infrastructure has been rebuilt, including nearly all public schools and government buildings, which have been reconstructed to meet enhanced safety standards. In rural areas, nearly 95% of the destroyed homes have been rebuilt with support from government grants and technical guidance.

As part of the commemoration, a parallel exhibition was organized at the event venue, where several organizations, including DPNet, showcased materials, models, and information related to the Gorkha earthquake, reconstruction activities, and broader disaster risk management initiatives. The exhibition aimed to raise public awareness and share the journey of recovery with a wider audience.