KATHMANDU: The Canadian government on Monday extended its help to rebuild the structures damaged in the 2015 earthquake and help Nepal for future crises.

Jean Lebel, President of Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Nadir Patel, High Commissioner of Canada to India announced USD 1.2 million aid for reconstruction efforts to restore damaged housing, public buildings, and infrastructures.

In a statement released by the Canadian government, they informed that they will be working with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) for the initiative.

“This initiative will support mountain communities in their rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts following the earthquake of 2015,” said Lebel, “And the knowledge generated will be shared in the wider region to improve disaster planning and preparedness to reduce the devastating impacts of such events.”

The Canadian government also expects the aid to help in natural disaster management, risk management, rehabilitation, strengthening livelihoods and community resilience in the country, according to the statement.

“While it is important to rebuild infrastructure after the earthquake, it is critical that the focus be on rebuilding livelihoods. The whole Hindu-Kush Himalayas is a high hazard region for earthquakes, and the lessons learned need to be transferred to other countries in the region, a role that ICIMOD as regional, intergovernmental organisation can play,” informed Director General of the ICIMOD, Dr. David Molden.

Till date, the Government of Canada has provided USD 23 million to as a response to humanitarian crisis in the Himalayan nation.