--- title: "Proposal for an earthquake deaths study" subject: "Communication English" chapter: 6 key: "semester_5/communication_english:proposal-earthquake-study" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/proposal-earthquake-study site: BCT Engineering --- # Proposal for an earthquake deaths study Communication English · Chapter 6: Writing Proposal - Asked in: 2068 Chaitra, 8 marks - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/proposal-earthquake-study - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-6 ## Question A large number of deaths are caused by earthquakes. To minimize the loss of lives you want to do a study. Write a brief proposal to an organization sticking on objectives, procedure and rationale. ## Short answer The study aims to assess earthquake risk, building code compliance, and preparedness in Kathmandu Valley to recommend measures that reduce deaths. It will review data, inspect 400 buildings, survey 600 households and 20 schools, and produce a report within 10 months. Nepal's vulnerability and preventable building collapses justify the evidence-based policy guidance. ## Answer #### Objectives 1. To assess the level of earthquake risk in Kathmandu Valley, based on past events and geology. 2. To find out why buildings and infrastructure were damaged in the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, and how many buildings do not follow the building code. 3. To measure the preparedness of households, schools and local governments. 4. To recommend practical measures to reduce deaths and damage in future earthquakes. #### Procedure 1. **Literature and data review (months 1-2):** collect reports from the National Reconstruction Authority, the Department of Mines and Geology, and the Central Bureau of Statistics. 2. **Sampling (month 2):** select 10 wards in the Valley by soil type and building density, and choose 400 buildings. 3. **Field inspection (months 3-5):** engineers will check the structure type, age, material quality and compliance with the Nepal National Building Code using a rapid visual checklist. 4. **Survey (months 4-6):** a questionnaire for 600 households and 20 schools on awareness, drills and emergency kits; interviews with ward officials and rescue groups. 5. **Analysis (months 7-8):** identify the most vulnerable building types and areas using simple statistics and maps. 6. **Reporting (months 9-10):** prepare the report with recommendations and present it at a workshop with the municipalities. #### Rationale Nepal lies in one of the most earthquake-prone regions of the world, and the 2015 Gorkha earthquake killed nearly 9,000 people and destroyed about half a million houses. Experts warn that another large earthquake will come. Most deaths are caused by the collapse of poorly built houses, which is preventable. Yet there is no recent, complete study of how safe the buildings are. This study will provide evidence to guide policy, retrofitting and training. The money spent on prevention is much smaller than the cost of rebuilding after a disaster, and the lives saved cannot be measured in money. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. Which is an objective of the earthquake study? A. To recommend practical measures to reduce deaths and damage in future earthquakes B. To predict the exact date of the next earthquake C. To construct new houses D. To increase building height Answer: A. Objectives include risk assessment, damage causes, preparedness and recommendations. (Key point: Objectives) 2. How are the buildings chosen in the procedure? A. Choose buildings by owner wishes B. Study every building in Nepal C. Choose only new buildings D. Select 10 wards by soil type and building density, then 400 buildings Answer: D. Sampling by soil type and building density gives a representative set. (Key point: Sampling in procedure) 3. What reasoning in the rationale shows that most deaths are preventable? A. Earthquakes can be stopped B. People can leave Nepal C. Most deaths come from collapse of poorly built houses D. Houses never collapse Answer: C. Poorly built houses cause most deaths, which can be prevented by better construction. (Key point: Rationale reasoning) 4. How does the rationale compare prevention with rebuilding? A. Prevention costs more than rebuilding B. Prevention costs much less than rebuilding after a disaster C. They cost the same D. Rebuilding is never needed Answer: B. Money spent on prevention is much smaller than the cost of rebuilding. 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