A3veen.nl

In April 2025, the United Nations General Assembly designated 29 April as the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes inviting all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and other relevant international organizations to collaborate on the commemoration.

In doing so, the General Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and recalled the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, recognizing that disasters continue to undermine sustainable development. These commitments underscore that understanding disaster risk, strengthening prevention and mitigation, and improving preparedness and effective response are essential to protecting lives and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Earthquakes are among the deadliest natural hazards, often striking without warning and causing devastating loss of life and long lasting social, economic, and psychological harm. Recent earthquakes in countries such as Myanmar and Afghanistan are stark reminders of how these events can destroy infrastructure, displace entire communities, and affect generations long after the ground stops shaking. Their impact is severe and measurable. Since 1900, there have been at least 12 major earthquakes, each of which killed more than 50,000 people. Earthquakes also have substantial economic consequences, accounting for more than a quarter of global disaster losses and causing trillions of dollars in damage over recent decades. Beyond direct destruction, they can trigger fires, tsunamis, and landslides, compounding damage across housing, health, education, and livelihoods. Earthquake risk is driven by factors such as rapid urbanization in seismic areas, weak or ageing infrastructure, poverty, inequality, and poor enforcement of building codes—making risk informed development and resilient infrastructure essential. In acknowledgement of the grave consequences of these disasters, the United Nations has established the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes, observed annually on 29 April, and tasked the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) with facilitating its observance. The Day provides a moment to remember those lost and renew commitment to prevention, preparedness, and building back better, in line with the priorities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Links:
When the ground shakes: Remembering victims and reducing future loss