PM Oli stresses need for earthquake-resilient infrastructure in Nepal

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has emphasized the urgent need to build earthquake-resilient structures to prevent damage from future natural disasters.

Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on Friday to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake, PM Oli highlighted that Nepal’s economic status, budget, and capacity would not be sufficient to handle reconstruction if such a disaster were to strike again.

“No matter how resilient we claim to be, our nation does not have the economic strength or resources to fully recover from another earthquake like the one in 2015,” he said. “We must focus on constructing structures that can withstand earthquakes, rather than waiting for them to collapse and then rebuilding.”

He stressed the importance of proactive disaster preparedness, urging citizens and authorities alike to adopt construction methods that prevent damage before it occurs.

Oli also pointed out that many houses in Nepal’s hilly regions are still made of loosely placed stones mixed with mud, making them highly vulnerable to tremors.

“Some of these traditional houses are still standing by sheer luck. Every individual must now consider how to make their homes safer,” he added.

The Prime Minister further highlighted the extraordinary role played by security forces and civilians during the 2015 earthquake, calling their efforts remarkable.

He concluded by saying that adopting safety measures ahead of time is essential for building a safer, more resilient Nepal.