Nepal prone to natural calamities
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13/08/2008
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Kathmandu Post (Nepal)
UNDP's resident representative in Nepal, Robert Piper said Wednesday that the Government of Nepal has not been able to translate the risk agenda into action as most buildings constructed in the capital are hardly earthquake-resistant.
Speaking to media persons at a program in Kathmandu, he also expressed serious concerns as Nepal could be hit by major earthquake like that of 1934. He also urged the government to implement the New Disaster Management Act, 2007, which may prevent casualties.
"People of Nepal are living amid impending disaster especially during monsoon season and an earthquake similar to that of 1934 may hit this country any time," he said, adding, "The major concern is that Nepal could expect two earthquakes of magnitude 7.5 to 8 on the Richter scale every 40 years."
He also lamented over government apathy as floods and landslips triggered by torrential rains also claim hundreds of lives every year.