Chile's Recovery and Reconstruction

Chile's status as a High-Income Country (HIC) enabled more effective long-term responses to natural disasters. The recovery process demonstrated strong governmental capacity and economic resilience.

Example: Power and communications were restored to 90% of households within 10 days.

Key recovery initiatives included: • Rapid deployment of emergency services • $60 million national appeal for emergency shelter construction • Comprehensive infrastructure repair program • Effective utilization of copper export revenues for reconstruction

Highlight: Chile's strong economy allowed for reconstruction without heavy reliance on foreign aid, contrasting with Nepal's situation.

Nepal Earthquake: Initial Impact and Immediate Effects

The 2015 Nepal Earthquake struck with devastating force on April 25th, occurring along a destructive plate margin where the Indo-Australian plate collides with the Eurasian plate at 45mm per year.

Definition: A destructive plate margin occurs where two tectonic plates collide, often resulting in significant seismic activity.

The earthquake's primary impacts were severe: • 9,000 fatalities and 20,000 injuries • 50% of shops and 7,000 schools destroyed • $5 billion in damage • 3 million left homeless

Highlight: The earthquake triggered avalanches on Mount Everest, causing the greatest loss of life in the mountain's history with 19 fatalities.

Example: Secondary effects included overwhelmed hospitals, blocked roads hampering relief efforts, and the Kali Gandaki landslide creating flood risks.