|  Nepal
is a highly seismic country and the history is full of earthquake disasters.
Huge loss of life and property had occurred in series of earthquakes in
the past and it is believed that next big earthquake is around the corner.
Studies have shown that there will be heavy loss of life and property
in the possible future earthquake in Kathmandu Valley alone. The problem
of earthquake destruction can only be reduced through coordinated efforts
of mitigation and preparedness. So, in this direction NSET is conducting
orientation programs for earthquake safety for Embassies, Diplomatic missions,
Aid agencies, INGOs, NGOs, Hospitals, Schools and even general masses
to aware, enhance knowledge on earthquake safety. Usually this program
is conducted by NSET upon request of the agencies or organization.
Earthquake Safety can not be achieved in developing countries unless
we initiate a bottom-up approach in which house-owner and common people
becomes aware, have basic ideas on earthquake preparedness and convinced
on the need to make their residences safer against earthquake. This can
be achieved only through a massive awareness raising program which NSET
has developed and is implementing successfully.
The main objective of the program is to generate earthquake awareness
among the people and the specific objectives are:
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To make the group aware about the earthquake risk of
Nepal. |
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To give the group basic know-how of earthquake preparedness
i.e. what to do before, during and after an earthquake. |
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To equip the group with basic ideas of how and what
earthquake preparedness message to convey to the communities they
are working with. |
| The topics covered
in the program: |
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Earthquake basics: The goal of this part is to make
people aware about the impending earthquake risk in Nepal and the
region and clarify myths about earthquake. It covers generation of
earthquake, measurement of earthquake, earthquake risk in Nepal and
region. |
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Structural risk mitigation: The goal of this part is
to give tips on earthquake safe and unsafe buildings. It covers, what
makes a building weak or strong in general, and how to identify these
weaknesses. |
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Non-structural risk mitigation: this part covers how
building contents could create a risk and how this risk can be mitigated.
It covers different approach for non-structural risk mitigation. |
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Preparedness: This part covers how to get ready for
an earthquake. How to start planning, what should be the approach,
where to intervene, what to do before, during and after an earthquake
and at the same time it also discusses what not to do. This part also
covers earthquake drill depending upon request from organizers. |
The presentations vary slightly depending upon target group,
and interest of audience. Usually, expatriates are more interested in
preparedness whereas Nepali mass interested in earthquake safe building
construction. |
