Earthquake Overview - 6.1 | 11. Build Back Better in Nepal Recovery | Disaster Preparedness & Planning - Vol 4
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Understanding Build Back Better

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we’re diving into the concept of 'Build Back Better' or BBB. Can anyone tell me why this concept is crucial after a disaster?

Student 1
Student 1

I think it's about improving structures after rebuilding.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! BBB looks at improving not just infrastructure but also strengthening communities. It’s about resilience.

Student 2
Student 2

So it's more than just physical buildings?

Teacher
Teacher

Right! We also need to focus on social, economic, and ecological aspects. To summarize: 'BBB is about holistic recovery.'

Nepal Earthquake Impact

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Teacher
Teacher

Let's discuss the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. Who remembers how many lives were lost?

Student 3
Student 3

I remember it was nearly 9,000 people.

Teacher
Teacher

That's correct! Besides the tragic loss of life, we also saw almost 500,000 homes destroyed. How should this inform our recovery strategy?

Student 4
Student 4

It shows we need a quick response and to consider community needs.

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! It emphasizes the need for timely interventions that address both physical and community resilience.

Lessons from Other Disasters

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Teacher
Teacher

What other disasters have taught us critical lessons about recovery?

Student 1
Student 1

The Uttarakhand floods had significant lessons on emergency management.

Teacher
Teacher

Great example! Other examples include cyclones in India and floods in Pakistan. They showcase similar vulnerabilities.

Student 2
Student 2

So we can learn from these cases?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! By examining these events, we can better formulate BBB strategies tailored to local contexts.

Governance and Institutional Challenges

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Teacher
Teacher

How important is governance in implementing the BBB approach?

Student 3
Student 3

Very important! Without strong governance, the recovery won't be effective.

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on! Governance involves regulations, laws, and stakeholder coordination.

Student 4
Student 4

Can you give an example of a regulation needed?

Teacher
Teacher

Sure! We need robust building codes to ensure future structures can withstand disasters. Remember: 'Regulations guide resilience'.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section provides an overview of the earthquake disaster recovery processes, specifically focusing on the 'Build Back Better' approach in Nepal following the 2015 earthquake.

Standard

The section discusses the 'Build Back Better' concept as it pertains to disaster recovery in Nepal after the 2015 earthquake. It highlights the urgent need to rebuild infrastructure while also strengthening social and economic resilience. Key lessons from various South Asian disasters are also referenced.

Detailed

Earthquake Overview

The 2015 earthquake in Nepal, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, resulted in catastrophic damage, including nearly 9,000 fatalities and significant destruction of infrastructure. In response, the concept of 'Build Back Better' (BBB) emerged, guiding the recovery efforts. BBB emphasizes not just reconstructing physical structures but integrating social, economic, and community resilience dimensions into recovery strategies.

This approach was informed by various case studies in the South Asian region, including other disasters like the Uttarakhand floods and cyclones affecting India and Bangladesh. Significant emphasis is placed on institutional and regulatory frameworks necessary for effective disaster recovery, including the development of laws, building codes, and community engagement.

Moreover, key themes within this framework include the importance of government action, economic resilience through insurance and financing, ecological considerations, and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. The overview establishes the foundational principles the affected areas must consider to prepare for future disasters, ultimately aiming for an improved resilience across communities.

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Introduction to Earthquake Impact in Nepal

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In April 2015, there has been a major earthquake 7.6 Richter scale which has hitted in the Nepal and it hitted the Gorkha region and at 11:30 it has striked the Gorkha region and again at 12:30 it has received about 6.6 scale and again after that it has keep receiving more than 16 times aftershocks.

Detailed Explanation

In April 2015, Nepal experienced a devastating earthquake measured at 7.6 on the Richter scale. This earthquake struck the Gorkha region, a significant area in Nepal known for its historical and cultural importance. Shortly after the initial quake, there was a powerful aftershock registering at 6.6, and this, along with over 16 subsequent aftershocks, contributed to the overall impact of the disaster. The earthquake caused widespread destruction and affected many lives, highlighting the vulnerability of the region.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a tall building shaken repeatedly by a sudden storm. Each shake represents the main earthquake and the aftershocks. Just like that building may show cracks after each shake, the people and structures in Nepal faced significant damage due to the tremors, leading to a serious need for assistance and recovery.

Summary of Earthquake Effects

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The summary of the impacts is we talk about the 8,896 lives have been lost and almost 22,000 people have been injured and about nearly 5 lakhs private houses have been destroyed and about two lakhs private houses have been damaged.

Detailed Explanation

The earthquake had a tragic toll on human life and infrastructure. 8,896 individuals lost their lives, and around 22,000 were reported injured. The disaster caused catastrophic damage to private residences, with nearly 500,000 houses completely destroyed and about 200,000 additional houses suffering significant damage. This extensive loss of homes directly impacts the survivors, leaving them vulnerable and in dire need of shelter and support.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a household where a severe storm damages the roof and walls, rendering it uninhabitable. The family must find new temporary shelter while attempting to rebuild their home. This is similar to the situation faced by many Nepali families after the earthquake - they not only lost loved ones but also their places of safety and security.

Categories of Affected Areas

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Now, if you look at the categories of earthquake affected areas, the severely hit region is about this Gorkha land and you have the crisis hit and as well as a hit with heavy losses and the moderately hit and very slightly affected you know.

Detailed Explanation

The areas impacted by the earthquake can be categorized based on the severity of the damage. The Gorkha region was identified as severely hit, experiencing heavy losses in terms of human lives and infrastructure. Other regions experienced moderate or slight damage. This classification helps in assessing the recovery needs and allocating resources effectively to the most affected areas first.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a classroom during a chaotic event where some students are hurt and some are just shaken. The teacher addresses the critically injured first, then assesses those who need less immediate care. Similarly, after the earthquake, the government and NGOs focused first on areas like Gorkha that needed the most help while also planning support for less affected areas.

Emergency Response Procedures

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Now we will discuss about 2 important phases of this whole process; one is the search, rescue and the relief phase.

Detailed Explanation

In the aftermath of the earthquake, two crucial phases of response were initiated: the search and rescue phase, and the relief phase. The government of Nepal activated their disaster management systems, including the National Emergency Operation Center, to coordinate efforts to find and aid survivors. This organized effort is essential for efficiently mobilizing resources and assistance during the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a team of firefighters responding to a building on fire. Their immediate task is to search for any people trapped inside and then work to put out the fire while providing medical assistance. Similarly, after the earthquake, rescuers rushed to save survivors and provide relief to those left in desperate conditions.

Coordination and Communication

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So, it is, it brings the communication between the national system and the local system at a district level.

Detailed Explanation

Effective communication between national and local systems is vital during disasters. The activation of the National Emergency Operation Center allows for streamlined communication, ensuring that vital information, resources, and aid reach the affected areas quickly and that relief efforts are well-coordinated. This communication helps in managing actions across different levels of government, NGOs, and community groups.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a relay race where each runner must pass the baton smoothly to the next. If the communication between runners (or in this case, different levels of government) breaks down, the team’s chances of winning (or effectively responding to the disaster) diminish significantly. Similarly, clear communication channels are needed to successfully manage disaster response.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • Build Back Better: A framework for rebuilding that seeks to improve resilience beyond standard recovery efforts.

  • Community Resilience: Enhancing a community’s capacity to withstand and recover from disasters.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • After the Nepal earthquake, rebuilding not only lost structures was vital, but also incorporating community needs in the process.

  • The importance of regulatory frameworks was highlighted during the response to the Uttarakhand floods.

Memory Aids

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🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Rebuild with care, strength to share; BBB’s the way, community’s sway.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once upon a time, in a village hit by a disaster, the people decided to not only rebuild their homes but also to strengthen their bonds and enhance their skills for future challenges. They formed a committee to ensure that every voice was heard, thus creating a resilient community.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • R.E.C. for resiliency: Rebuilding (physical), Enhancing (social connections), Creating (economic opportunities).

🎯 Super Acronyms

BBB

  • Build Better Bridges among the community for resilience.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Build Back Better (BBB)

    Definition:

    A disaster recovery strategy emphasizing improvement of infrastructure and community resilience.

  • Term: Resilience

    Definition:

    The capacity of a community to recover quickly from difficulties.