Earthquakes are an unavoidable part of Nepal as Nepal lies in a very active seismic zone. The seismic record suggests that earthquakes similar in size to the 1934 event occur approximately every 75 years. Experts predict that a devastating earthquake is inevitable in the near future. The economic loss of Nepal will be much higher given Nepal’s weak infrastructure and unpreparedness. Many see valley’s infrastructure systems are extremely vulnerable and their failure can result in failures of other lifelines and losses from disruption of activities that are much greater than the cost to repair damage. Nepal needs to search the way out to reduce the cost. Mitigation measures can reduce risks. As Nepal is celebrating National Earthquake Safety Day in commemoration of the Great Bihar-Nepal Earthquake of 1934, we have decided to look at the economic cost of the earthquake as a lead story.  Along with focusing on other issues, we decided to focus on economic consequences of major earthquake in Nepal. Past experiences have shown that we can minimize the economic and other losses from earthquakes. Earthquakes do not kill but it is the building which kills. We have also covered other aspects of political and economic activities in other stories and columns.


Keshab Poudel
Editor