Nepal earthquake

On Saturday 25 April 2015, a massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal. It was followed by hundreds of aftershocks and, just two weeks later, a second 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit. The earthquakes caused widespread destruction in 13 districts, including in the capital Kathmandu, and tragically left nearly 9,000 people dead.  

An estimated 8 million people — more than a quarter of the population — were affected, and at least 600,000 houses were completely destroyed with another 280,000 damaged.  

Oxfam’s response

Oxfam and other organisations began work within hours of the first earthquake. 

More than 600,000 people benefitted from Oxfam’s humanitarian response and in order to alleviate poverty, provide rural communities with livelihood programs, mainstream gender, prepare for disaster and create awareness on hygiene and sanitation, Oxfam in Nepal works in 25 districts of Nepal. As a part of the Humanitarian Program, Oxfam works with local partners to prepare for disaster, with lawmakers to amend the Disaster Management bill and with communities to restore their livelihood and empower them to be resilient. 

Oxfam has been responding to floods and landslides in Nepal since 1993 and includes earthquake scenario planning in all contingency plans.