Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have joined hands to help Nepal recover from the Jajarkot earthquake. An agreement was signed today at the UN House in Kathmandu. This deal allows Japan to give financial aid to UNDP Nepal. The goal is to help affected communities rebuild their lives.
Support for Nepal Jajarkot Recovery
Japan will give 250 million Japanese yen (about USD 1.7 million or NPR 231 million) to fund the project. The UNDP will use this money to help the worst-hit areas recover. The focus will be on jobs, better local government, and preparing for future disasters. The goal is to help these areas become stronger and ready for emergencies.
The earthquake struck Karnali Province on November 3, 2023. It had a magnitude of 6.4. Jajarkot and Rukum West suffered the most damage. Many homes, schools, and hospitals were destroyed. Thousands of people struggled to survive. The government and aid agencies helped, but more work is needed.
Signing Ceremony in Kathmandu
Japan’s Ambassador to Nepal, Maeda Toru, and UNDP Nepal’s Resident Representative, Kyoko Yokosuka, signed the agreement. Ambassador Maeda said, “I hope this project will make life easier for the people of Jajarkot and Rukum West.”
He also noted that the project’s completion in 2026 will mark 70 years of Japan-Nepal diplomatic ties. Japan has always helped Nepal during hard times. This project continues that tradition.
Kyoko Yokosuka spoke about UNDP’s work in Nepal. She said that while some progress has been made, more work is needed. “The earthquake deeply affected lives in Jajarkot and Rukum West. UNDP has worked with all levels of government to provide immediate relief and long-term support.”
How the Funds Will Be Used
The project will rebuild homes, create jobs, and restore services. Many people lost their means of income. Providing them with skills training and jobs will be a focus.
The project will also help local governments prepare for disasters. This will ensure that communities can respond better to future emergencies.
Public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure will also receive support. Many schools and health centers were damaged. The program will fix these buildings and make them stronger.
Japan’s Support for Nepal
Japan has a history of helping Nepal. After the 2015 earthquake, Japan gave financial aid and technical help to rebuild homes, schools, and heritage sites. The country has also helped improve Nepal’s roads, bridges, and hospitals.
This new partnership with UNDP builds on that history. It shows Japan’s strong bond with Nepal. It also reflects its commitment to disaster recovery and building resilience.
The Road to Recovery
Recovering from the Jajarkot earthquake will take time. But this project is a big step forward. With Japan’s support and UNDP’s expertise, affected communities will get the help they need.
The initiative will also help Nepal improve its disaster response. By focusing on resilience, preparedness, and strong governance, the program will ensure that future disasters have less impact on communities.
For more updates on Nepal’s recovery efforts and global partnerships, visit Nepal Monitor.
