April 25th, 2015 will be seared into the collective memory of Nepal as a tragic date. That day a massive earthquake of 7.8 magnitude struck the small mountainous nation killing over 8,000 people and injuring more than 22,000. As complete buildings have been razed to the ground, tens of thousands are rendered homeless and their livelihoods endangered. Many UNESCO heritage sites in Nepal have also sustained medium to high damage. The unravelling of Nepal's social, economic and political fabric has precipitated a humanitarian crisis.
However, disguised opportunity is the inevitable result of any crisis. As Nepal staggers towards recovery, it has the opportunity to set an example by becoming the first country to implement the Sendai Framework Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR). This earthquake may have shattered the buildings and houses in Nepal, but it could not dent the spirit of its people. The grace and poise with which the Nepalese people are facing this crisis is highly commendable. The humanitarian leadership should leverage this opportunity and build a new Nepal that would act as the heart of Himalayas, pumping life and joy into the country's surroundings.
This issue of Southasiadisasters.net focuses on the theme of 'Rebuilding Nepal:
Through Implementing SFDRR'. As three months have passed since the tragedy, it is time for the Nepalese government and other donors to chalk out a plan for the country's long term reconstruction.
Consequently, a donors' conference is being organized to decide on the best course of action. All such efforts should be aligned with the SFDRR. A lot of experts have different perspectives on what should be the nature of this recovery and reconstruction.
This issue of Southasiadisasters.net tries to highlight these eclectic perspectives and is a must read for all who are interested to learn about the challenges and opportunities of rebuilding Nepal