International Day in Memory of Victims of Earthquakes Being Observed for First Time

International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes is being observed for the first time today in different countries of the world with various awareness programmes. 

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 in recent decades.

In acknowledgement of grave consequences of these disasters, the United Nations has established the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes, observed annually on April 29 and tasked the United Nations Officer for Disaster Risk Reduction with facilitating its observance. 

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

Beyond direct destruction, they can trigger fires, tsunamis and landslide, compounding damages across housing, health, education and livelihoods.

The Day provides a moment to remember those lost and renew commitment to prevention, preparedness, and building back better in line with the properties of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. (RSS)