Nepal: Building resilience in Thangpal Valley

ORGANISATION
Triangle Génération Humanitaire (TGH)

LOCATION
Sindhupalchowk District, Nepal

Disaster risk reduction across the humanitarian-development spectrum

On 25 April 2015, Nepal was struck by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake. In just 55 seconds, thousands of lives were lost, over 22,000 people were injured, and infrastructure across rural areas was severely damaged. Roads were blocked, and residents faced critical shortages of food, shelter, and healthcare.

In response, TGH and its local partner ARSOW launched the Integrated Global Reconstruction Programme (IGRP) in Panchpokhari Thangpal, one of the most affected areas, with funding from Fondation de France, Agence Française de Développement, and Ville de Paris. Emergency interventions included distributing tents, sanitary items, and food. These actions helped prevent further health crises, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks—key early steps in disaster risk reduction.

Building back better for long-term resilience

Beyond immediate relief, TGH and ARSOW focused on sustainable recovery:

• Earthquake-resistant housing: Materials and technical support were provided to reconstruct homes and community buildings, reducing future risks. Build Back Better and Safer (BBBS) campaigns spread knowledge of safe construction practices, fostering a culture of preparedness.
• Psychosocial support: Survivors received counseling and support to overcome trauma, aiding long-term recovery and community cohesion.
• Water access and food security: Projects supplying clean water through wells, pipes, and filters gave households reliable drinking water. Improved water access allowed families to grow organic vegetables and fruits, supporting nutrition and autonomy while reducing dependence on aid. Reservoirs and filtration systems further freed residents from daily water burdens and enhanced resilience to climate shocks such as droughts.
• Livelihoods and income generation: Training programmes strengthened household incomes, helping communities recover economically and sustainably.

Through these combined efforts, TGH and ARSOW addressed both immediate needs and long-term risks, ensuring that recovery also built resilience. By integrating emergency response with preventive measures and sustainable development, the Thangpal Valley is now better prepared for future disasters.

This International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, GNDR calls for governments, donors, the private sector and financial institutions to prioritise funding for resilience, not just funding for disasters when they strike.

All photos: Triangle Génération Humanitaire