Tribhuvan University

Institute of Engineering
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
Central Campus
Pulchowk

ASSIGNMENT 5

“Gorkha Earthquake 2015 and Jajarkot Earthquake 2023”

Post-Disaster Assessment and Response Planning

Submitted To:

Prof. Dr. Hari Darshan Shrestha

Department of civil engineering
IOE, Pulchowk Campus

Submitted By:

Mani Shrestha
079MSDRM008
 Disaster Type and Response/recovery with examples at least 2
Post-disaster response and recovery operations differ based on the type and magnitude of the
disaster due to the distinct characteristics and problems each disaster poses, necessitating
customized solutions for effective resolution. Here are some factors that contribute to the
differences;

a. Nature of disaster
b. Scale and severity
c. Geographical location
d. Resources Availability
e. Community Resilience
f. Government Response and Policies

Nepal, situated in the Himalayas, is susceptible to earthquakes and floods due to its topography.
The country has experienced significant disasters, such as the 2015 Gorkha earthquake and the
2023 Jajarkot earthquake, and recurring floods during the monsoon season. This comparative
analysis aims to highlight the differences in response and recovery strategies following these
disasters. By focusing on disasters within Nepal, it ensures uniformity in resource availability,
community resilience, and government policies across all regions, disregarding geographic
diversity.

Case A: Gorkha Earthquake 2015

Disaster Overview

On April 25, 2015, an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck Nepal, causing widespread devastation
across the country. The disaster killed 8964 people and injured 21,952. As per the NPC, 981,361
buildings from 31 districts were damaged due to Gorkha Earthquake sequence, among them
333,298 buildings were destroyed and other 648,063 buildings were partially damaged. Nepal
had not experienced such a mega disaster for last 80 years.

Response Efforts
The Nepali government led response efforts through the National Emergency Operations Center
(NEOC), with additional coordination at the airport, Reception and Departure Center (RDC),
Multi-National Military Coordination Center (MNMCC), and the UN building in Kathmandu.
The Nepali government called for international assistance and partially coordinated emergency
response operational activities. 34 countries rallied with 18 military and 16 non-military teams,
totaling 4521 people. The Nepal Army initiated "Operation Sankat Mochan," with 66,069 Nepal
Army personnel deployed. Search and rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate and extricate
survivors trapped under collapsed buildings, and 2928 people were rescued by Nepal Army
hospitals. 23594 people were rescued, with 1336 rescued above from collapsed buildings and
2928 rescued by helicopters. Emergency medical teams provided critical care to injured
individuals, treating wounds and preventing further loss of life. The government and aid agencies
deployed field hospitals and medical supplies to ensure access to healthcare services in affected
areas. The Nepal Army provided medical treatment to 85,954 individuals from the 14 most
affected districts and distributed 5707 tons of relief to 20 affected districts.

Recovery Effort

Following the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake in Nepal, the recovery phase focused on rebuilding
communities and restoring normalcy. The primary focus was on restoring infrastructure,
including homes, schools, hospitals, and public buildings, which were severely damaged or
destroyed. Special attention was given to earthquake-resistant building codes and standards to
reduce vulnerability to future seismic events. Other efforts included repairing critical
infrastructure like roads, bridges, water supply systems, and electricity networks. Reviving the
economy and restoring livelihoods were key priorities, with economic recovery programs
implemented to support small businesses, farmers, and entrepreneurs. Financial assistance,
training, and technical support were provided to help individuals and communities rebuild their
economic activities. Mitigating future disaster risks was prioritized through strengthening
national building codes, disaster preparedness, and community-based disaster risk management
strategies. Government leadership coordinated recovery efforts, formulating policies and
mobilizing resources to support reconstruction and rehabilitation initiations.
Case B: Annual Monsoon Flood Nepal

Disaster Overview

Monsoon rains actually triggers floods in various parts of Nepal, particularly affecting the Terai
region. While intensity and impact vary year to year, these floods consistently damage
infrastructures, agricultural land, and displace communities, impacting livelihoods and food
security.

Response Efforts

The Nepali government has activated its National Emergency Coordinating Committee (NEOC)
to manage flood-affected areas. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Rural
Development (MOHA) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority
(NDRRMA) lead the response operation, involving rescue, evacuation, rapid assessment, and
relief distribution. Security forces are mobilized for search and rescue operations, while airlifting
services are operated by the MOHA and NDRRMA. District Disaster Management Committees
and Municipal offices also participate in the response. The Department of Hydrology and
Meteorology has established a toll-free number for the flood early warning system, which
circulates updates on their website. The National Disaster Coordinating Mechanism (HCM) is
active, with clusters led by line ministries and ongoing coordination at strategic and operational
levels. The annual monsoon flood response in Nepal is swift and multifaceted, with authorities
improving early warning systems, establishing temporary shelters, distributing essential supplies,
conducting search and rescue operations, providing emergency healthcare services, focusing on
infrastructure repair, and providing psychological support services. Collaboration among
government agencies, NGOs, humanitarian organizations, and local communities is crucial for
the successful recovery process.

Recovery Efforts

Monsoon floods in Nepal involve a series of recovery efforts to restore communities and mitigate
future risks. Clearing mud, debris, and rubble is crucial for restoring functionality and safety, and
mobilizing manpower and equipment to remove obstructions from roads, bridges, and public
areas. Housing rehabilitation involves assessing damage, providing temporary shelter, and
repairing or rebuilding homes using resilient construction materials. Agricultural restoration
focuses on rehabilitating farmland, repairing irrigation systems, and assisting farmers in
replanting crops. Implementing flood control measures, such as strengthening embankments,
constructing floodwalls, and restoring natural drainage systems, is essential for mitigating future
floods. Effective floodplain management reduces the risk of inundation, protects communities
and infrastructure, and preserves valuable agricultural land. Environmental recovery efforts focus
on rehabilitating ecosystems, such as riverbanks, wetlands, and forests, to enhance resilience and
ecological functions. Restoring the natural environment helps mitigate flood effects, protect
biodiversity, and support local livelihoods, which depend on ecosystem services.

Case C: Jajarkot Earthquake 2023

Disaster Overview

On November 3, 2023, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck various region encompassing Jajarkot
and Rukum West districts in the Karnali province, located in the western part of Nepal. This is
the largest earthquake to impact since Gorkha earthquake in 2015. The earthquake inflicted
profound impact on the affected regions of Jajarkot and Rukum west, leading to the unfortunate
loss of at least 157 lives and leaving 375 individuals injured. Altogether 61089 families were
affected and 37094 houses are partially damaged.

Response Effort

The Nepalese government swiftly responded to the earthquake, assessing affected areas and
initiating rescue and relief efforts in collaboration with humanitarian organizations. The Prime
Minister's direct involvement included visits to affected regions and oversight of operations.
Provincial governments pledged aid to affected regions, and the cabinet meeting approved
international aid requests, providing free medical treatment and temporary housing for victims.
Tents, blankets, and sleeping bags were provided to affected areas, with various ministries and
officials involved in distribution. The Ministry of Home Affairs and AFP sent supplies to
Jajarkot and Rukum west. The disaster attracted international media attention, promoting
condolences and material support from countries like China, US, Russia, and India.
Humanitarian organizations in Nepal collaborated with government authorities to assess impacts
and coordinate response activities.
Recovery Efforts

After the earthquake in Jajarkot 2023, recovery efforts have been initiated to restore normalcy
and rebuild affected communities. The reconstruction phase encompasses various aspects to
address the diverse needs of individuals and communities impacted by the disaster. One of the
primary focus of the recovery phase is the reconstruction of infrastructure, including homes,
schools, hospitals, and public buildings. Reviving the economy and restoring livelihoods
emerged as key priorities during the recovery phase. Economic recovery programs are being
designed to support small business farmers and entrepreneurs adversely impacted by the
earthquake.

Comparative Analysis of Post disaster Response and Recovery

1. Gorkha Earthquake and Annual Flood (Monsoon) – Disaster Type

This comparative analysis highlights the response and recovery strategies employed in Nepal for
two different types of disasters; Earthquake and Flood.

Earthquake occurs with little or no early warning but flood occurs with early warning.

Shelter and Settlements

 Earthquake response entails immediate large scale temporary shelters and transitional
housing with long term focus on earthquake resistant construction. After earthquake,
people prefer to stay outside due to fear of destruction of building.
 While flood response also requires temporary shelter initially, but not much as during
earthquake. Since schools, community buildings are available for initial shelter. It focuses
on flood resistant housing construction and addressing land ownership issues in
vulnerable areas.

WASH

 For earthquake, immediate efforts focus on providing safe drinking water and emergency
sanitation facilities, with long-term goals on rebuilding water infrastructure and
promoting hygiene practices.
  Flood response priorities emergency sanitation facilities and safe water distribution
initially with long-term emphasis on restoring water treatment plants and sanitation
system.

Food Security and Livelihoods

 Earthquake response involves immediate food distribution and support for farmers
with long-term focus on agricultural revitalization.
 While flood response deals with widespread damage to agriculture, focusing on
restoring land and promoting alternative income sources.

Health

Earthquake response prioritizes emergency medical care, as the injuries cases are more in
earthquake and psychological support, with long term focus on rebuilding healthcare
facilities.

Flood response prioritizes access to clean water, sanitation facilities, medical care, and
prevention from water borne diseases to safeguard public health.
Disaster Magnitude and Response/recovery with examples at least 2

(Gorkha Earthquake (2015- 7.8 Mw) and Jajarkot Earthquake (2013- 6.4Mw) – Disaster
Magnitude)

The comparative analysis highlights the response and recovery strategies employed in Nepal for
two different magnitude of earthquake and following were the conclusion.

Immediate Response

 During Gorkha Earthquake, Government declared Nationwide Emergency. National

and internal resources swiftly mobilized search and rescue operations, medical
assistance and deployment of field hospitals. UN cluster systems were activated and
HCT coordinated the efforts too.
 While during Jajarkot earthquake, Government took the disaster as provided level.
Prompt assessment of affected areas were carried out by the Nepalese government
with swift initiation of rescue and relief efforts. Financial and medical support and
relief supplies were provided to affected regions, with coordination among provincial
governments and international partners.

Recovery Efforts

 After Gorkha earthquake, the damage and loss were high. So, extensive
reconstruction efforts focused on infrastructure, psychological support and disaster
risk reduction measures. Many policies, acts, regulations, frameworks were published
for the ease of reconstruction efforts as well as disaster risk reduction measures
changing the evolution or paradigm of DRR in Nepal.
 The recovery phase has started after Jajarkot earthquake and reconstruction is the
main objective of recovery efforts.
Emergency Phase: Search, Rescue and Relief

Case Study: Aceh Tsunami

Background

On December 26, 2004, a powerful earthquake measuring 9.1 on the Richter scale struck off the
coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, triggering a devasting Tsunami that impacted the entire Indian
Ocean region. The Aceh province of Indonesia was the worst hit, with over 170,000 people
loosing their lives and countless others displaced and injured.

Challenges

 The tsunami caused extensive destruction to roads, bridges, ports and communication
networks, hindering access to affected areas, impeding the movement of rescue teams,
delivering of relief supplies.
 Many affected communities were located in remote and isolated coastal areas, making it
challenging for rescue teams to reach them promptly.
 Disruption of communication networks hampered coordination among response agencies,
making it difficult to share information, allocate resources and coordinate search and
rescue operations effectively.

Search and Rescue Operation

 Mobilization of Resources: In the aftermath of the tsunami, local authorities,

International humanitarian organizations and military forces mobilized resources and
personnel for search and rescue operations. Helicopters, boats and heavy machinery
were deployed to reach remote and inaccessible areas.
 Locating Survivors: SAR teams, comprised trained personnel, sniffer dogs, scoured
the debris and rubble in affected areas to locate survivors trapped under collapsed
building and debris. Advanced technology such as sonar and thermal imaging was
also utilized detect signs of life.
 Medical Assistance: Medical teams, including doctors, nurses and paramedics,
provided emergency medical care to survivors, treating injuries, administering first
aid, and evacuating critically injured individual to medical facilities.
Relief Operation

Distribution of Aid: Relief supplies including food, water, shelter materials and medical supplies,
were airlifted and transported to affected areas. Humanitarian agencies, government entities and
volunteers collaborated to ensure timely and equitable distribution of aid to those most in need.

Establishment of Temporary Shelters: Temporary shelters such as tents, makeshift camps and
community centers, were set up to provide immediate shelter to displaced families. These
shelters offered protection from the elements and served as hubs for relief activities.

Psychological Support: Psychological support services including counselling, trauma therapy and
community-based interventions were provided to survivors to address the emotional impact of
the disasters. Trained counselors and mental health professionals offered support to individuals
and communities coping with grief and trauma.

Conclusion

The search, rescue and relief operation conducted during the emergency phase of the Aceh
Tsunami in 2004 exemplified the resilience, solidarity and collective action of responders and
affected communities in the face of an unprecedented disaster. Despite numerous challenges, the
coordinate efforts of local authorities, humanitarian organizations and international partners
saved lives, alleviated suffering and laid the ground work for long term recovery and rebuilding
efforts in Aceh and beyond.
SOP of NDRF, Disaster Response, NEOC in relation with NDRMCT

Background (DRRMA)

Historically, disasters in Nepal were handled in an impromptu manner and addressed as they
happened. In 1982, the Natural Disaster Relief Act (NDRA), sometimes known as the Natural
Calamity Relief Act (NDRA), was established. It was later replaced by the Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Act of 2017 (2074). Previously, the NCRA solely focused on
response and relief efforts, without incorporating a wide range of hazard reduction and DRM
operations. DRRMA, 2074 has encompassed the entire range of the catastrophe management
cycle. It can be seen as an umbrella act. This legislation outlines a comprehensive strategy for
disaster management, detailing the responsibilities and procedures for the central government,
district, and local authorities. The statute stipulates that a National Council for Disaster
Management (NCDM) will operate under the leadership of the prime minister. The National
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) will be established under the
Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) to serve as the central agency for disaster management in
Nepal. It will be responsible for developing strategies, creating plans, and overseeing the
implementation of disaster risk management activities. The state disaster management authority
would be under the Chief Ministers and the district disaster management authorities will be
under the Chief District Officer (CDO). The legislation defines the responsibilities of important
institutional actors in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, particularly in emergency
response.

National Disaster Response Framework, 2013, Amendment (2019)

The National Disaster Response Framework (NDRF) 2013 also prepared to implement and
coordinate a response plan of national level disaster by ensuring all the elements of disaster
management cycle and allocate appropriate role for governmental and non-governmental
organization. Later, this NDRF 2013 was amended for the first time in 2019, as per clause 8. (p)
of DRRMA, 2017(2074), to include federal system of Nepal. Is serves as a clear concise and
comprehensive guide for an effective and coordinated national response in the event of large and
medium scale disaster. The framework focuses on preparedness and response of various levels;
national, regional, district and local.

Here are some key points of NDRF;

 The NDRF outlines preparedness and response measures across different timeframes;
including 2 hours, 10 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, one week, two week and
one month, which are to be carried out by different responsible agencies. Hence, there
are two matrixes; (i) Timeline of response and (ii) Roles and responsibilities of
relevant agencies during emergencies.
 The NDRF also provides the procedure of international assistance that should be
followed during response activities.
 It also provides the framework for national and international assistance coordination.
There are total 11 clusters (Health, WASH, Shelter, etc.), which are identified and
provides the coordination between these clusters with government authorities.
 NDRF also outlines the special management for disaster response activities.

National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC)

NEOC was opened on the 17th December 2010, by the MOHA and is operated under special
services division. It has been running by a nine-member personnel team under the leadership of
under-secretary.

Objectives of NEOC:

 To serve as a central point for managing disaster-related data, communication and

coordination.
 To collaborate with various stakeholders including government agencies, NRCS, UN
agencies, INGOs and NGOs involved in disaster response and recovery.

Responsibilities:
  The NEOC is responsible for coordinating disaster response efforts at national,
provincial, district and local levels.
 It facilitates timely relief and recovery measures for affected families.
 It provides situation reports during monsoons, track disaster data and disseminate
alerts.

DRRM Act and NEOC

NDRRMA was established under the DRRM Act 2017 to operationalize DRRM. The NDRRMA
coordinate all three levels of government to ensure a whole of government approach to DRRM
and emergency response. DRRM Act 2017 has given or listed the functions, duties and powers
of NDRRMA. Out of those functions, DRRM Act facilitates NDRRMA to operate and manage
NEOC to provide early information about the likely occurrence of disasters to all concerned and
collect, analyze, disseminate information at once and coordinate and activate SAR and relief
operation as mentioned in 11(q) Clause.

Scope of NRA on Post Disaster Management

Nepal Reconstruction Authority (NRA)

The NRA was established with the main objective of rapid reconstruction of the physical
damages caused by the massive earthquake of Gorkha 2015. It was officially established on 25
December 2015, according to Article 3 of the Act related to the Reconstruction of Earthquake
affected structure, 2015.

The Scope of NRA’s activities in post disaster management are;

a) Infrastructure Reconstruction:
One of the primary responsibilities of the NRA is to oversee the reconstruction of
infrastructure damaged or destroyed by disasters such as schools, homes, hospitals, roads,
bridges, etc. It identified priority areas for reconstruction based on damage assessments
and works to ensure that the rebuilt infrastructure meet safety standards and incorporates
disaster resilient features.
b) House Reconstruction:
NRA leads efforts to rebuild house for individual and families displaced by disasters.
This involves providing financial assistance, technical support and guidance to home
owners to reconstruct their homes in safe and sustainable manner.
c) Livelihood Restoration:
It is essential for communities to recover and rebuild their economic stability. The NRA
supports livelihood recovery initiations by providing training, financial assistance and
resources to affected individuals and businesses.
d) Community Resilience and Risk Reduction:
The NRA works to strengthen community resilience and reduce disaster risks in
vulnerable areas.
e) Policy development and coordination
f) Monitoring and evaluation