When the ground shakes: Remembering victims and reducing future loss
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¡ªmaking risk informed development and resilient infrastructure essential.
In acknowledgement of the grave consequences of these disasters, the Â鶹APP has established the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes, observed annually on 29 April, and tasked 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.
Key actions to reduce earthquake risk and protect lives
In commemorating this Day, countries and partners are called upon to:
- Remember and inform: Honour those lost and support survivors, while using the Day to raise awareness of earthquake risks and strengthen trust, preparedness, and informed decision making across society.
- Reduce risk through action: Share and scale proven solutions¡ªsuch as stronger building codes, preparedness in schools and workplaces, and community based approaches¡ªand integrate risk informed planning to prepare for resilient recovery before disasters strike.
- Invest in resilience: Mobilize financing and partnerships to support risk informed investments, resilient infrastructure, and the retrofitting of critical facilities, with priority given to high risk and vulnerable countries and communities.
Background
In April 2025, the Â鶹APP General Assembly 29 April as the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes inviting all Member States, organizations of the Â鶹APP system and other relevant international organizations to collaborate on the commemoration.
In doing so, the General Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to the and recalled the , 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.
Social media
Under the slogan ¡°Remember. Protect. Build Disaster Resilience,¡± partners are encouraged to share simple, people centred messages that honour past earthquake victims, highlight lessons learned, and keep risks visible even when disasters feel distant. Use hashtags #EarthquakeDay and #BuildingResilience.
Key Messages
- Earthquakes cannot be prevented, but their impacts can be reduced through proactive disaster risk reduction.
- Reducing earthquake deaths depends on safer buildings and planning.
- The World Bank estimates that making infrastructure more resilient costs about 3% more upfront but returns $4 for every $1 invested by reducing damage and disruptions.
- Teach earthquake safety education, prepare communities before disasters, and use recovery to build back better.
- Clear and trusted communication is essential to keep people prepared and make earthquake safety part of good governance¡ªnot just awareness campaigns.
