One year on - the Nepal quake in numbers

Published Fri, Apr 22, 2016 · 04:39 AM

[KATHMANDU] A year after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake tore through Nepal, millions of people remain homeless.

Here are some key facts about the quake and the reconstruction effort.

DEATH TOLL: The death toll from the earthquake and its aftershocks stands at 8,959. Another 22,303 people were injured.

HOMES DESTROYED: More than one million houses suffered severe damage. The quake destroyed 776,895 houses completely while 298,998 dwellings need repairs.

LOST HERITAGE: 131 historic monuments were reduced to rubble while another 560 structures require repairs. Work on a few sites in the Kathmandu valley has begun, but officials say it will be years before Nepal's rich architectural heritage is restored.

HEALTHCARE: 1,227 health centres were damaged during the quake, severing a lifeline for remote, rural communities. 40 centres have been rebuilt so far, with work in progress on another 100 sites.

SCHOOLS: The disaster destroyed or damaged nearly 8,000 schools, leaving almost one million children without classrooms. A handful of buildings have been repaired but most students still have lessons in bamboo and tin shelters.

ECONOMY: The earthquake caused losses of US$7 billion. Nepal's economy is now expected to grow by just 1.5 per cent over the financial year ending in July 2016 - the lowest level since 2007 - according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

FOREIGN AID: International donors, including India, China, the World Bank and the ADB, promised US$4.1 billion to aid Nepal's recovery. But the National Reconstruction Authority, the body in charge of spending the funds, was only set up in December. It has since signed agreements to disburse US$1.85 billion.

FUNDS RELEASED: Although the government has promised around US$2,000 to each household for rebuilding homes, only 641 families have received the first instalment of US$500. Most victims have received payouts worth less than US$250.

WHERE VICTIMS ARE LIVING NOW: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimates four million people are still living in temporary shelters. The government says 113,384 families have moved back into homes that are at risk of collapse during aftershocks, while more than 31,000 victims have rebuilt their houses on their own, tired of waiting for help from the authorities.

AFP

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