The US Embassy in Kathmandu, in partnership with the government of Nepal, broke ground on a $1.2 million Regional Crisis Management Centre (RCMC) and warehouse on Friday in observance of Nepal Earthquake Safety Day.

The RCMC is funded by the US government and is scheduled to be completed by March 2017 at the Nepal Army Chaunni Barracks in Kathmandu, according to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu.  

In the event of a disaster, civilian and military personnel will staff the RCMC to organise relief, search and rescue, and post-disaster activities (such as debris removal).

The RCMC and warehouse will enable civil-military partners to better coordinate response and communication, as well as provide assistance and materials to affected local population during a disaster, the statement added.

 The warehouse portion of the RCMC will store emergency supplies and equipment for first responders.

The United States remains committed to supporting the Government of Nepal’s efforts in disaster preparedness, read the statement.