The Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) and all its members unite as one voice to express their deepest condolences towards the Nepalese people and the cities of Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan.

The thousands of dead announced on the news show the extent of this humanitarian disaster. It is evident that the lives of hundreds of thousands of Nepalese have been changed forever and it will take time to return to a sense of normality.

The losses and major destruction suffered by the properties inscribed on the World Heritage List painfully remind us how fragile these treasures of humanity are and that they can disappear at any moment.

The endless natural catastrophes occurring around the world confirm the necessity for the development of tools and defence mechanisms that can be available immediately when the time comes. Urban resilience is all too relevant in this 21^st century.

All of our thoughts are turned towards the survivors of the earthquake. Once again, we extend our deepest condolences to them and wish them to find again, serenity and internal peace that will help them rise and face the challenges now standing before them.