Nepal marks 10th anniversary of 2015 earthquake with national memorials

Nepal remembers 9,000 lives lost in devastating 2015 quake, rebuild efforts continue.

Nepal's Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak (right) and Chiri Babu Maharjan, Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, attend a ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 2015 earthquake at Lalitpur Durbar Square near Kathmandu on April 25, 2025. Photo by Prakash Mathema/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

On Friday, Nepal marked the 10th anniversary of the 2015 earthquake, a disaster that left nearly 9,000 people dead, millions homeless, and a country forever changed. The solemn commemoration came with memorial events across the Himalayan nation, honoring those who perished and reflecting on a decade of resilience and reconstruction.

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck at exactly 11:56 a.m. on April 25, 2015, flattening entire villages, toppling centuries-old heritage sites, and triggering avalanches and landslides that swept across mountainous regions. As Nepal marks the 10th anniversary of the 2015 earthquake, both grief and progress were on display in ceremonies from Kathmandu to remote districts still rebuilding.

Prime Minister Oli leads memorial at Dharahara tower site

At the heart of the capital, Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli led a tribute at the site of the historic Dharahara tower, one of the iconic structures that collapsed during the quake, killing more than 50 people. Built in the 19th century, the nine-storey tower once stood as a symbol of Kathmandu’s architectural legacy.

Standing beside a replica of the original monument, Oli addressed the crowd, emphasizing the ongoing vulnerability of Nepal to natural calamities and the importance of preparedness.

“We are vulnerable to other natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and are more prone to earthquakes. We need to prepare ahead against natural calamities,” he said.

The gathering included civil servants, emergency responders, and citizens, all united in a moment of silence at the exact time the earthquake struck a decade ago. Prime Minister Oli also lit candles in memory of the victims, paying tribute to the thousands who lost their lives that day.

“I would like to offer my condolences to all those who lost their lives,” Oli said solemnly.

Personal stories keep memories alive

Elsewhere in the capital, residents shared emotional recollections of the tragedy. At Patan Durbar Square, another heritage site that suffered extensive damage, survivors recounted the terror they felt as the earth shook and buildings crumbled.

“Whenever I remember that day, I still feel anxious,” said Rajshree Maharjan, a local resident. “I had just finished my meal when the quake struck. My neighbor’s house collapsed, and four people were killed after being buried under the rubble.”

These stories, though painful, continue to be a vital part of the nation’s collective memory, reminding new generations of the day Nepal was brought to its knees—and how it began to rise again.

Memorials held across affected districts

As Nepal marks the 10th anniversary of the 2015 earthquake, similar events were held in the hardest-hit districts, including Gorkha, Sindhupalchok, and Bhaktapur. In each location, local leaders and survivors gathered for moments of silence, candlelight vigils, and traditional rituals meant to honor the deceased.

Flags flew at half-staff in government buildings, and schools held special assemblies to educate students about the significance of the day. In several towns, people wore black bands on their arms as a sign of mourning.

Rebuilding after devastation: A long road

The 2015 earthquake exposed deep cracks in Nepal’s disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. In the immediate aftermath, rescue and recovery efforts were slowed by political infighting, a cumbersome bureaucracy, and confusion about rebuilding priorities.

However, over the past decade, the country has made significant strides. According to Nepal’s National Reconstruction Authority, nearly 90 percent of the homes destroyed have now been rebuilt. Schools, hospitals, government offices, and health centers have also been reconstructed or retrofitted to withstand future disasters.

Cultural restoration has been more complex but equally symbolic. Temples, stupas, and other heritage landmarks in Kathmandu Valley are gradually being restored with international support, including UNESCO and donor nations.

Lessons learned and the future of disaster readiness

The 10th anniversary of the earthquake also serves as a moment for critical reflection on what has been learned and what remains to be done. Experts warn that Nepal, sitting on a major fault line, remains highly vulnerable to future seismic events.

In recent years, the government has launched several programs aimed at improving structural resilience and community awareness. Emergency response drills are more frequent, and building codes have been revised.

“Preparedness is key,” said Anju Thapa, an urban planner working with Nepal’s Department of Urban Development. “The next earthquake is not a question of if, but when. We have to ensure that our cities and our people are ready.”

Nonetheless, challenges persist. Some reconstruction projects, especially in rural or mountainous areas, have lagged behind. Corruption allegations, logistical hurdles, and a lack of sustained international aid have slowed progress in some districts.

A decade of resilience, unity, and hope

As Nepal marks the 10th anniversary of the 2015 earthquake, the country finds itself balancing between remembrance and resolve. For survivors, each April 25 is a solemn reminder of the lives lost and the homes destroyed—but also of the resilience they’ve shown in the face of overwhelming adversity.

From the ruins of one of its darkest days, Nepal has rebuilt not only its buildings, but also its spirit. While the scars remain, so too does the determination to move forward stronger and better prepared.

As candles flickered beside memorials and bells tolled in temples across the country, Nepal stood united in grief, gratitude, and hope. The earthquake may have shaken the land, but it could not break the will of its people.