Nepal Earthquake Causes Despair in Country Plagued with Poverty, Political Turmoil

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Apr 29, 2015

Nepal Earthquake Causes Despair in Country Plagued with Poverty, Political Turmoil

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal Saturday killed over 3,800 people and wipes out thousands of homes. The natural disaster caused more problems for the country that was already poverty-stricken and in political turmoil. 

The New York Times reports that Nepal suffers from air pollution, poor health and limited jobs. Electricity is limited and lights are only available for about 10 hours per day. Since the earthquake, many areas have had no power at all. 

Nepalis emigrate out of the country at high rates for jobs in border countries. In some seasons, about one-quarter of Nepal’s population leaves the country for work. According to the New York Times, this means that the earthquake mostly affected those not working, women, children, and the elderly. 

Many building in Nepal were constructed without adhering to building codes. 

Nepal construction worker Youraj Sharma said that the natural disaster would not have been so devastating if building rules were followed in the country. 

“...people have built buildings without pillars, without iron rods in the concrete and with very loose concrete,” he said. 

The earthquake death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue teams make their way into Nepal’s many remote villages. 

To help with Nepal relief efforts, go here.

Publication date: April 27, 2015



Nepal Earthquake Causes Despair in Country Plagued with Poverty, Political Turmoil