Frustrated Nepalese protest on quake anniversary

(AAP)
(AAP)

It's been a year since a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, killing thousands of people.

Protesters have gathered on the anniversary to mark their frustration at the slow progress of the rebuild.

Nine-thousand lives were lost, 22,000 were injured and more than a million homes were destroyed in the tragedy that struck Nepal one year ago.

In the capital Kathmandu a candle-lit vigil was held to mourn the many lives lost, but amongst the sadness there was also anger.

The Nepalese government is facing heavy criticism for the slow rebuild.

"It has been one year since the earthquake," says protestor Depesh Giri. "There has been no planning by the government for the survivors.

"We are here to protest against the government and hopefully they will wake up and do some work."

And until last month petrol and cooking oils had been blocked at the Nepalese border, cutting off a lifeline for a land-locked country.

"It'd be impossible to talk about the recovery of Nepal without talking about the impact that this blockade has had," says Unicef's Patrick Rose.

Mr Rose was in Nepal recently. He says seismic activity has caused water sources to move, meaning some people have to travel further to get it.

And he says the slow rebuild means there's also a shortage of food.

"I have met families who have great deal of insecurity around where they're going to get their next meal from."

Mr Rose says many families who are struggling send their children into the city to work, and that leaves them vulnerable to child trafficking. 

"Child trafficking for young girls is part of that same continuum, that same vulnerability, that stress that comes from not having enough to eat."

He says the Nepalese are doing all they can to survive, however they've got a long road ahead.

Newshub.