An assessment of international emergency disaster response to the 2015 Nepal earthquakes

Abstract

The international response to the two earthquakes that struck Nepal on 25th April and 12th May 2015 was one of the biggest humanitarian and disaster response operations for the year and in the recent past. Altogether close to 70 countries responded to the official request for assistance; 34 countries responded physically with personnel in addition to the aid sent; and 17 countries also sent their respective military teams to assist in the immediate search and rescue phase. Research and fieldwork revealed that international response in the immediate search and rescue, and relief operations was considered a success but challenges were identified in four key areas: (i) Strategic Planning; (ii) Aid Delivery; (iii) Aid Provision; and (iv) Aid Distribution. The challenges identified include but are not limited to a need to: build trust between stakeholders outside of emergency response setting; development of an aid registry system; systematically monitor national policy developments; and connect international and national relief NGO networks. By highlighting these, this research seeks to contribute to inform future international humanitarian assistance and disaster responses.