Community resilience in Nepal

A year has passed since a massive earthquake devastated Nepal, causing tremendous loss of life and shattering the country’s economy.

Of the country’s 75 districts, close to half were severely affected, and 14 were declared crisis zones by the Nepali government. BRAC was one of the first global organizations to respond with medical aid.

As the country shifted to rebuilding, BRAC transitioned to focus on reconstructing earthquake-affected homes in the Kavre district, a culturally-rich area southeast of Kathmandu.

Our first step was to design and build two demonstration houses exclusively for women widowed by the earthquake. These structures offered a proof of concept to Nepali officials while also providing relief to women without a source of income.

We are proud to report that both houses have been completed. Moreover, the houses were built by local masons trained by BRAC staff. This system enabled those masons with skills that will serve the community now and in the future.

There is still much to be done, and unfortunately reconstruction of 400 additional houses has become heavily politicized. BRAC is committed to working through the red tape to deliver relief to Nepalis who need it most. We extend our gratitude to the many donors whose generosity has and will continue to support quality aid and relief achieved by partnering with local community members.

As the anniversary of this terrible tragedy passes and the spotlight again fades, BRAC remains dedicated to rebuilding homes for the Nepali poor disproportionally affected by the earthquake and its aftershocks. We are participating in conversations with the Nepali government and other international aid organizations to guarantee that aid is effective, delivered efficiently, and provides valuable resources to the earthquake-affected residents of Kavre.