Exactly one year ago, Nepal, one of the world’s poorest countries, was hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake. It killed around 9,000 people, injured more than 20,000, left more than 2 million homeless and damaged over 900 health facilities and 8,300 schools.
While nongovernmental organizations and volunteers were quick to respond to the disaster and its 7.3-magnitude aftershock in May, the official reconstruction process has languished. While international donors pledged $4.1 billion dollars last June, it was only two weeks ago that the first families from one of the hardest-hit districts received their first installment of reconstruction money, promised by the National Reconstruction Authority.
While there are signs that life has returned to normal in Nepal, thousands of people who lost their homes are still living in makeshift tents and rubble still sits at the steps of the country’s most historic squares.
About the author
Sophie Cousins
Sophie Cousins a Devex Contributor based in South Asia. She is a health journalist focused on women and girls. She was previously based between Lebanon and Iraq, focusing on refugee health and conflict. She writes for international medical journals, including The Lancet, and for international news websites such as the Guardian.
