Publication:

Effects of earthquake on senior citizens of Shankharapur municipality, Kathmandu district of Nepal

Background Senior citizens can face difficult situation in the immediate consequences of unpleasant disaster because of their physical vulnerabilities. Mortality rate of elderly is comparatively higher than younger individuals and are at risk of social isolation following natural disasters, as their reactions are not fast and they might be unable or unwilling to evacuate from their homes. To assess the effects of earthquake on senior citizens of Shankharapur municipality, Kathmandu district of Nepal.

Methods A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted. A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from 115 senior citizens, Data were analyzed in SPSS version 20 and the descriptive statistics were reported.

Results The study found that majority (94%) of the senior citizens stayed outside in temporary shelter after earthquake for more than a month (35%) with less than 5 minutes distance (70%) from an original house after earthquake. 35% of the respondents faced problem due to leakage of rain water and suffered cold while staying in temporary shelter after earthquake. Among the total respondents majority (92%) of the respondent’s house was cracked or collapsed after earthquake where only 30% of the respondents went for reconstruction or maintenance and  majority 91% spend their own money from pocket for maintenance.

Conclusions This study found that shifting to temporary shelter after earthquake and loss of economy due to cracked or collapse of house after earthquake as a major effect on senior citizens of Shankharapur municipality, Kathmandu district after earthquake.