On 3^rd November 2023, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake (EQ) struck Jajarkot district in Karnali Province of Nepal, killing 154 people and injuring 375. About 62,000 houses in thirteen districted were affected, of which, 26,550 collapsed, mostly in West Rukum exposing at least 250,000 people to hazards and risks. Despite a relatively low magnitude of earthquake, the high level of damage is attributed to stand-alone stone houses on mud-mortars without proper structural supports and ties; and partly to the shallow epicenter of the earthquake, which occurred during the night when people were asleep.

The Government of Nepal (GoN) conducted search and rescue operations from 3^rd to 5^th November, announced providing NPR 50,000 (CHF 330) to all displaced families to construct temporary shelters. The GoN leads the relief, recovery and reconstruction response through a one-door government system.

There is a need for the reconstruction of destroyed/damaged private and public houses to be EQ-resilient. Crucial at this point will be to support GoN’s efforts bringing in SDC’s past experience of build-back-better initiatives. Aid efforts will need to be conflict-sensitive and recognize the needs of the most affected and disadvantaged groups and avoid re-enforcing existing structures of social and economic inequality.

• The affected population (approx. 60,000 households), including 1,000 school children with a special outreach to disadvantaged groups
• Masons (500) in the affected area (including female and from disadvantaged groups)

1. Affected people, especially children, have equitable access to recovery and reconstruction support in the area of education and health
2. Masons trained in earthquake-resilient construction techniques are engaged in reconstruction

Expected results:  

• Reconstruction of damaged public infrastructur such as schools (at least 4) and health posts (2)
• A total of 500 masons (20% women; 50% DAGs) trained in earthquake-resilient construction practices are available in the affected area