On April 25, 2015, a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Nepal to its core, leaving devastation in its wake. Thousands of lives were lost, homes and historic buildings crumbled, and millions of people were suddenly without shelter.
The numbers are heartbreaking:
- 8,857 people lost their lives.
- 22,304 were injured.
- 3.5 million were left homeless.
- 2.6 million people were displaced within Nepal.
Vital infrastructure including schools, hospitals, and water systems were destroyed. Places rich in Nepal’s history, culture, and spirit were reduced to rubble.
But while the earthquake’s impact was devastating, the story doesn’t end there.
It’s also a story of hope, resilience, and the incredible long-term change that’s possible when we come together to help.
How did Caritas Australia respond?
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake we were able to support the global Caritas network and our partners Caritas Nepal in a major emergency response.
Thanks to the generosity of people like you, we were able to support over 352,000 people with life-saving aid, providing emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation, and food when families needed it most.
But the support didn’t stop there.
Over the years, your donations helped Nepali communities rebuild stronger, recover their livelihoods, and prepare for future disasters. Together, we achieved some incredible milestones:
- 16,875 students supported to stay in education.
- 15,584 people received protection and psychosocial support.
- 29,456 farmers provided with seeds, tools, and training to restore their crops.
- 6,864 people trained in disaster risk reduction.
- 19,264 people gained new livelihood skills.
- 21,445 people now have clean water from 63 community water schemes.
- 10,710 people reached through hygiene programs.
- 2,448 masons trained to build safer, earthquake-resistant homes.
- 1,062 houses rebuilt.
- 1,026 students learning again in 7 newly rebuilt schools.
- 8,000 people accessing healthcare thanks to 2 rebuilt health posts.
- 1,830 farming families benefiting from 39 new irrigation canals.
Because of your support, countless families didn’t just survive, they rebuilt their futures.
Stories of strength and survival
Behind every number is a story. People like Suntali, Netra, and Bhim remind us that your support changes lives in the most profound ways.
Suntali and her daughters. Photo: Madan Bhusal/Caritas Nepal.
Suntali's story
When the earthquake hit, Suntali clung to her two young daughters as their home collapsed around them. For weeks afterward, they slept under a flimsy tent, uncertain what the future would hold.
Then, Caritas Nepal arrived with emergency supplies like food, shelter materials, and most importantly, hope.
Suntali’s family was later selected for the housing reconstruction program. Thanks to financial support, guidance, and hands-on help, their ruined home was rebuilt into a safe, sturdy house. Her children could finally sleep peacefully again. Farming activities resumed, and life, little by little, began to return to normal.
"They didn’t just give us a house; they gave us back our dignity, our security, and our hope." – Suntali
Netra and Hari Maya. Photo: Madan Bhusal/Caritas Nepal.
Netra's story
Netra and his wife, Hari Maya, lost their home in an instant. They had no close family to turn to and were forced to sleep in a makeshift tent. Their farmland, their only source of food and income, was badly damaged too.Â
Thanks to Caritas Nepal, they received not only emergency supplies but also help rebuilding their home and new farming tools to restart their livelihoods.Â
Today, they live once again in their rebuilt home, tending to thriving fields and looking forward to a more secure future.Â
"If such kinds of aid and support continue, our lives will surely improve." – NetraÂ
Bhim. Photo: Madan Bhusal/Caritas Nepal.
Bhim's story
Living alone even before the earthquake, Bhim lost everything when his home collapsed. Isolated and struggling, he was overwhelmed by the disaster.
But the kindness of strangers brought him comfort. Relief supplies like food, blankets, and clothing helped him through those first difficult weeks. Later, Caritas Nepal helped him rebuild his house,. giving him not just shelter, but a renewed sense of belonging and dignity.
"For the first time in my life, I felt that someone truly cared for me." – Bhim
Ten years on, the story of the Nepal earthquake is still being written — but it’s a story filled with resilience, hope, and a reminder that even one act of kindness can ripple across a lifetime.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
The next disaster could strike at any time—will you help us be ready?
Emergencies happen without warning. When disaster strikes, the ability to respond quickly and effectively is critical to saving lives. That’s why Caritas Australia’s Emergency Response Appeal exists—to ensure that when the next disaster occurs, we can act immediately to help those in urgent need.
