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Remembering the 2015 Nepal Earthquake and Celebrating 10 years of partnership
Apr 26, 2025
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Ten years ago, on April 25th, Nepal was struck by an earthquake that claimed thousands of lives, and left communities in ruins. The images of collapsed homes reduced to rubble, and the sheer scale of human suffering resonated deeply around the world, including here in Ireland.
In the immediate aftermath, the Irish people responded with characteristic compassion and generosity. The Irish Red Cross, thanks to this incredible outpouring of support, was able to swiftly mobilise and join the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s response, led by Nepal Red Cross Society.
The initial six months following the 2015 earthquakes saw a monumental effort by Nepal Red Cross, supported by international partners like the Irish Red Cross. Together, they effectively delivered crucial humanitarian assistance and relief materials to over 3.5 million people. The Irish Red Cross early contributions included the provision emergency cash relief and essential in-kind aid such as shelter kits and kitchen sets. Furthermore, Irish Red Cross deployed a Livelihoods specialist to provide crucial technical expertise during the recovery phase.
The subsequent recovery phase spanning from 2016 until 2019, witnessed significant progress in rebuilding lives and infrastructure. Over 206,000 people gained access to improved water and sanitation services, coupled with hygiene promotion initiatives crucial for preventing disease and promoting public health. Health services and health promotion initiatives reached 126,000 individuals, while 170,000 people received vital support to rebuild their livelihoods, fostering economic recovery and resilience within affected communities.
Building on this foundation, the Irish Red Cross has strategically focused on long-term resilience since 2019. Over 1,300 individuals have been supported through climate-smart livelihoods initiatives, directly addressing the increasing challenges posed by climate change in vulnerable communities.
This tenth anniversary marks not only a moment to remember the lives tragically lost and the immense challenges overcome, but also a significant milestone in the partnership between the Irish Red Cross and the Nepal Red Cross Society. For the past decade, we have worked together to support the long-term recovery and build a more resilient future for communities across Nepal.
Nepal Today
While significant progress has been made, today, Nepal continues to face considerable humanitarian needs, particularly within marginalised and remote communities. These existing vulnerabilities are increasingly compounded by the escalating impacts of climate change, leading to more frequent and intense floods and landslides that disproportionately affect these already isolated populations.
Access to fundamental services such as healthcare, clean water, and education remains a daily struggle, often exacerbated by challenging terrain and limited infrastructure. Food insecurity and the persistent risk of disease outbreaks remain critical concerns, demanding sustained attention and tailored support to ensure that no one is left behind.
The Irish Red Cross remains committed to our partnership with the Nepal Red Cross Society, adapting our support to address these evolving needs and working collaboratively towards a more resilient and prosperous future for all the people of Nepal.
As we reflect on the past decade of partnership and progress, we extend our gratitude to everyone in Ireland who has contributed to this vital work.
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