KATHMANDU, April 25, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Nepal marked on Friday the 10th 
anniversary of a massive earthquake that killed almost 9,000 people and left 
millions more homeless.

The 7.8-magnitude quake on April 25, 2015, triggered avalanches and 
landslides across the Himalayan nation and flattened villages.

Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli attended a memorial ceremony at the 
site of Dharahara tower, one of many buildings that crumbled in the quake.

"We are vulnerable to other natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and 
are more prone to earthquakes. We need to prepare ahead against natural 
calamities," Oli said.

The 19th-century, nine-storey Dharahara tower toppled during the earthquake, 
killing more than 50 people.

A replica has been built next to the rubble of the original.

Attendees, including civil servants and local residents, observed a moment of 
silence at 11:56 am, the time the quake struck. Oli lit candles in memory of 
those who were killed.

"I would like to offer my condolences to those all who lost their lives," Oli 
said.

At the historic Patan Durbar Square, people recounted harrowing tales of the 
day.

"Whenever I remember that day, I still feel anxious," Rajshree Maharjan told 
AFP.

"I had just finished my meal when the quake struck. My neighbour's house 
collapsed, and four people were killed after being buried under the rubble."

Memorials were held in several of the affected districts across the country.

The aftermath of the quake exposed deep cracks in Nepal's disaster response 
system and the rebuilding efforts were initially hit by political infighting, 
bureaucracy and confusion.

Since then, significant progress have been made. According to official 
figures, nearly 90 percent of the homes destroyed have been rebuilt, 
alongside thousands of schools, health institutions, and public buildings.

Temples and cultural landmarks are also slowly rising again.