Today is the first International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes.

Established by the General Assembly to be observed annually on 29 April, the day brings our system together around two imperatives: remembrance and resilience. We honour those we have lost and those living with the impacts of earthquakes. And we commit to actions that prevent future tragedy.

Earthquakes are inevitable; disasters are not. Most deaths occur when unsafe buildings and infrastructure fail. Investing in risk‑informed planning, resilient construction, effective enforcement, and public awareness saves lives and protects development gains.

In his message, the Secretary‑General spoke about solidarity and practical steps like implementing stronger building codes, better urban planning, and regular preparedness activities that make protective behaviour second nature.

What UN entities and country teams can do today:

  • Make the day visible across your channels and events using the official visuals and key messages: International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes | Trello

  • Encourage partners, schools, and workplaces to take a simple, context‑appropriate action, such as a brief awareness moment, highlighting a resilience success, or scheduling a drill this year.

  • Share inclusive guidance that works for everyone, especially those at greatest risk.

To raise awareness and strengthen preparedness, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is coordinating a global campaign: “Drop. Cover. Hold On.”

The campaign promotes simple, life‑saving actions during earthquakes and encourages schools, workplaces, and communities to conduct brief drills at least twice a year, including on 29 April, so protective behaviour becomes an automatic reflex.

How to amplify the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes

Remembrance with purpose starts today.

Let’s turn awareness into concrete actions that reduce risk, protect communities, and honour the memory of earthquake victims worldwide.

  • Use hashtags on social media: #EarthquakeDay, #DropCoverHoldOn, #BuildingResilience

  • Tag relevant UN entities and partners

  • Share field examples and locally adapted materials.

  • Share materials online: https://trello.com/c/LvDhBVWv