Every year on 2nd of Magh, Nepal celebrates the National Earthquake Safety Day (ESD) in commemoration of the Great Bihar-Nepal Earthquake of 1934. Apart from creating awareness about earthquakes the theme of the day is to share knowledge and information about safety measures and disaster management. It is in fact the culmination of earthquake risk management works implemented in the country in the preceding 12 months, and allows taking stock of the achievements and shortcomings.

The National Society for Earthquake Technology - Nepal (NSET) observes the ESD by organizing activities with the purpose of raising awareness on earthquake risk reduction and preparedness. NSET manages its ESD programs as a part of the national program, approved by the Earthquake Safety Day National Committee (ESDNC), chaired by Hon. Minister for Home Affairs.

NSET has successfully organized eight Earthquake Safety Days since 1999 with close cooperation with government organizations, municipalities, I/NGOs and local community. With invitation from NSET, participation from International level in ESD activities has also been very remarkable. The ESD program typically runs for a week, and it includes ceremonial parts (National meetings with Honorable Prime Minister/ Minister as the Chief Guest, public broadcast of earthquake safety message by the Prime Minister/ Minister, awareness rallies, publications and distribution of posters and other awareness materials), a Symposium on Experiences of Earthquake Risk Management, an Earthquake Awareness Exhibition that runs for 4-5 days, various programs for school children( essay/ painting competition, street drama on earthquake safety etc), demonstration of Shake Table test of 1:10 scale building models with and without earthquake-resistant elements.

This year on 16th January 2007, Nepal is observing the Ninth National Earthquake Safety Day (ESD). As the previous years this year also a week long of ESD events from 12th – 18th January 2007 is planned. Starting 12th January 2007, when Nepal’s ninth annual Earthquake Safety Week begins, different organizations and experts will come together in public forums to raise awareness and discuss the problems raised by quakes. Kathmandu is the focus this year, and the week will kick off with programs such as, two days Symposium on “Experience in Earthquake Risk Reduction and Response”, Awareness Rallies, Exhibitions and Shake Table Demonstration.