Jan 16, Kathmandu- The 24th National Earthquake Safety Day is being celebrated today by organizing various programs across the country in remembrance of the earthquake that struck at 2:24 pm on January 15, 1934. The day is being celebrated under the slogan 'Earthquake Awareness, Safe Structure'.

This slogan has been decided with the objective of creating awareness among the people to make earthquake resistant structures, as weak structures causes damage to human beings too.  Since 2055 BS, January 15 is being celebrated as National Earthquake Safety Day. The government started celebrating the day with the aim of raising public awareness about possible earthquakes.

On the occasion of the day, the main function committee is organizing a special program in Patan Durbar area today. Director General of the Department of Urban Development and Building, Padam Kumar Mainali informed that only certain people will be physically present in the program and all others will be invited to participate through virtual means. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Home Minister Bal Krishna Khanna and Urban Development Minister Ram Kumari Jhankri are also scheduled to address the program through virtual media.

Director General of the Department, Mainali, who is also the coordinator of the Publicity Sub-Committee under the Earthquake Safety Day Main Ceremony Committee, said that virtual participation will be done through zoom website with ID and password of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The committee has stated that as many people as possible can participate in Zoom ID.

On this occasion, it is said that the Earthquake Safety Digital Exhibition will also be organized through virtual medium. On the occasion of the day, various organizations have been organizing programs to raise public awareness since December 30. As there is corona epidemic this year, the program will be conducted by maintaining physical distance and adopting health safety measures.