10 Years On: Reflecting on the 2015 Nepal Earthquake
The Himalaya, often called the world’s Third Pole, is one of the most vulnerable regions on the planet. Nepal’s mountainous terrain makes it highly prone to earthquakes, floods and landslides—and a changing climate continues to intensify the frequency and severity of natural disasters.
A decade ago, on April 25, 2015, Nepal was rocked by a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake. Nearly 9,000 lives were lost, over a million homes were destroyed or severely damaged and more than 35,000 classrooms were left unusable, disrupting the education of 1.5 million children. The earthquake also triggered a deadly avalanche on Mount Everest, claiming at least 19 climbers’ lives and leaving hundreds stranded.
More recently, the 2023 earthquake in Bajhang, West Nepal (magnitude 5.3), and the 2025 earthquake in Tibet (magnitude 7.1) serve as stark reminders of the region’s ongoing seismic risks.
As we mark ten years since the 2015 disaster, some scars remain—but so does the strength of the Nepali people and our commitment to stand alongside them. Nepal is still one of the most economically disadvantaged countries in the world. Much progress has been made, yet there is still so much more that can be done.
If the past decade has shown us anything, it’s that resilience is built from the ground up. The Australian Himalayan Foundation’s role in supporting local NGOs to deliver programs across Nepal is as vital as ever. We will continue to empower the people of Nepal, providing them with resources they need to face the challenges ahead.
Looking back at our emergency response
In response to the 2015 earthquake, the Australian Himalayan Foundation’s community raised a remarkable $1.3 million, enabling both rapid emergency response and long-term reconstruction through our trusted local partner.
As part of the emergency response, AHF and REED Nepal assembled a team on the ground within days of the April earthquake. Acclaimed mountaineers and trained disaster relief workers Andrew Lock OAM and Geoff Bartram OAM joined Nepali medics, REED Nepal staff and porters to deliver immediate relief.
The team quickly mobilised resources, providing food, clean water, emergency shelter and medical aid to those in urgent need. On May 1st, the team travelled to the lower Solukhumbu, where no aid had yet arrived. There, they established two emergency medical clinics in Sotang and Kinja—villages completely cut off by the disaster—and delivered hundreds of kilos of critical supplies to more than 20 remote villages.
In recognition of their extraordinary efforts, Andrew and Geoff were awarded the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal, a testament to their courage and dedication in Nepal’s time of need.
“Earthquakes, and increasingly other natural disasters, are a part of life in Nepal. Thanks to our long-standing, vibrant relationships with partners on the ground and Australian supporters, AHF is able to respond quickly and effectively in the critical first weeks following a disaster. However, we are also there for the long haul, after the initial emergency response, through the whole process of building back better.”
Building back better
While immediate relief was critical, rebuilding was essential for communities to move forward. The Australian Himalayan Foundation established temporary learning centres and enlisted some of Australia’s top architects to design earthquake-resistant schools that could endure future disasters.
Thanks to the pro bono expertise of Australian architects Davenport Campbell and Hassell, and engineers Taylor, Thomson, Whitting (TTW), we pioneered an innovative lightweight steel frame design that could be transported by porters.
These new classrooms not only met modern seismic standards but also integrated traditional Nepalese architectural elements, ensuring they were both durable and culturally appropriate. This innovative design was a first for Nepal and was later implemented in West Nepal after the 2023 earthquake.
Supporting communities
Beyond physical reconstruction, the Australian Himalayan Foundation supported communities by training 80 individuals in masonry and school retrofitting as part of the reconstruction project, helping to create a skilled local workforce.
We provided psychosocial counselling and training to 1,600 teachers, empowering them to support children and families impacted by the earthquakes. Additionally, we organised a post-trauma art therapy camp in the Everest region, with over 330 teachers and students participating. This five-day workshop, led by recipients of the AHF Art Award, utilised art therapy to help communities process their trauma and begin healing.
We also incorporated disaster preparedness and risk reduction measures into our recovery projects, training communities on emergency response to enhance resilience.
Thank you!
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our Australian supporters, whose deep and unwavering connection to Nepal has been truly remarkable. Your support enables critical emergency response efforts and the continuation of vital education and health programs. Together, we can help Nepal to continue to become stronger, safer and more prepared for the future.
“In the wake of the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal, REED Nepal, with invaluable support from the Australian Himalayan Foundation, embarked on a transformative journey to rebuild schools in the Solukhumbu region. Our approach went beyond constructing buildings; we committed to fostering hope and empowering local communities and governments. Together, we worked to ensure that future generations have access to safe and nurturing learning environments. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this vital mission - you are helping make quality education a reality.”
By making a donation to the Australian Himalayan Foundation, you can help communities become better equipped for future challenges, including natural disasters, which are an ongoing reality in Nepal. Give now.
