The United Nations General Assembly has officially designated April 29 as the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes. This marks a global effort to commemorate lives lost to earthquakes. It also raises awareness about disaster risk reduction. The International Day of Earthquake Victims highlights the urgent need to support survivors. We must invest in resilience-building because seismic events continue to claim lives. They disrupt communities worldwide.
Earthquakes rank among the deadliest natural disasters, responsible for some of the most catastrophic events in history. The International Day of Earthquake Victims was designated after the devastating earthquake in Myanmar. It occurred on March 28 and killed over 3,700 people as of April 24. Meanwhile, Türkiye and Syria are still recovering from the 2023 quakes that killed over 55,000 people and left millions displaced.
A RESOLUTION ROOTED IN SOLIDARITY AND ACTION
The resolution establishing April 29 as a memorial day was introduced by Chile, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan. It was adopted by consensus at the UN on April 29. It calls not only for remembrance but also for global action to support victims and reduce future earthquake risks.
Ulugbek Lapasov, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to the UN, emphasized, “The adoption of this resolution is not just an act of commemoration. It is also a call to action on earthquake risks.”
The resolution invites the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) to coordinate observance efforts. It also helps member states integrate the International Day of Earthquake Victims into their national calendars through events. These include awareness campaigns and resilience-building programs.
FOCUS ON SURVIVORS AND RISK AWARENESS
The observance is built on two pillars:
- Supporting victims and survivors, including international recovery aid and psycho social support.
- Raising public awareness about seismic risks and the need for risk-reducing measures.
Paula Narváez Ojeda, Chile’s Ambassador to the UN, highlighted that the International Day of Earthquake Victims aims to “strengthen solidarity with impacted communities.” It also aims to “raise awareness and promote resilience and preparedness.”
PREVENTING LOSSES THROUGH PREPAREDNESS
While earthquakes cannot be predicted or prevented, their devastating impacts can be mitigated. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) outlines global goals. It aims to reduce disaster risks through improved governance, planning, and community resilience.
Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, noted:
“We know how to make buildings and infrastructure safer… yet the risk of losses is rising. But trend is not destiny. It can be reversed.”
He urged governments to scale up efforts to integrate earthquake safety into planning and construction, especially in high-risk regions.
CALL TO ACTION: COMMEMORATE AND BUILD RESILIENCE
Ambassador Lapasov encouraged all countries—especially those vulnerable to seismic activity—to take part in meaningful national observances on the International Day of Earthquake Victims. He also called for voluntary contributions and broader international cooperation to fund disaster preparedness and earthquake risk reduction.
“A robust commemoration will serve as a tribute to victims. It will also act as a catalyst for advancing disaster prevention and preparedness.”
HONORING THE PAST, PROTECTING THE FUTURE
With the declaration of April 29 as a day of remembrance and resilience, the United Nations is urging the global community to reflect on past tragedies, stand with survivors, and take concrete action to prevent future losses. Earthquakes continue to threaten lives and livelihoods. The International Day of Earthquake Victims serves as a solemn tribute. It is also a hopeful commitment to a safer, more prepared world.
