Nepal marks first anniversary of devastating earthquake,focusing on post-disaster reconstruction

Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli offered tributes to those who lost their lives in the April 25 earthquake last year and prayed for the peace of departed souls on Sunday, marking the first anniversary of the 7.9 magnitude devastating quake.

Nepal is marking the first anniversary of the earthquake as per the Nepalese calendar by organizing rallies, condolence meetings and various memorial programs.

Prime Minister Oli led a minute's silence at a memorial program in the capital to remember those who lost their lives, sustained injuries and lost homes and livelihoods in the devastating quake.

Nearly 9, 000 people were killed in the quake.

Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers, high-level government officials, representatives of diplomatic missions, security officials, among others, participated in the memorial function organized at historical nine-storey tower Dharahara premise, which completely collapsed in the quake and killed over 100 people.

The government is conducting special programs from April 24 to 26 in 14 worst-hit districts focusing on post-disaster reconstruction.

According to Post Disaster Needs Assessment report, the Himalayan country requires nearly 7 billion U.S. dollars for recovery. The international donors have pledged to provide 4.1 billion dollars for the country's reconstruction.