Disaster Law and Displacement in Nepal, Ctd
/Fresh off its 7.8 magnitude earthquake on April 25, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal today about 80km to the east of the capital, Kathmandu. The aftershock further exacerbates the displacement of populations who have been without meaningful shelter for weeks.
As detailed after the April 25 quake, building codes and construction standards have an enormous impact on the final death tolls. In this case, it appears that many children were spared from the quake because the Nepalese government had wisely chosen to close what schools and colleges remained upright until May 14 in order to inspect their integrity. While sustained school closures present short-term disruptions to youth development and education, the regulation in this case may have been worth the short-term costs.
As if the April 25 quake wasn't enough, this is another reminder to rapidly developing countries in the region to get their building codes, construction standards, and disaster management plans in order.
