Earthquake preparedness in Nepal

Nepal is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, ranked 11th most at risk in terms of its vulnerability to earthquakes and 30th in terms of flood risks. In particular, the highly populated Kathmandu Valley faces significant risk of a catastrophic earthquake. Out of 21 cities around the world lying in similar seismic hazard zones, Kathmandu is rated the worst, in terms of the impact an earthquake would have on the people who live there. In 2012, the Nepal Red Cross began a programme to help people in the Kathmandu valley prepare better for disasters, with a focus on earthquakes.