Singapore − Discovery Channel announced the commissioning of Aftershock: Disaster In Nepal, a new documentary that will explore the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that shook Nepal on 25 April and the subsequent 7.3-magnitude earthquake on 12 May. The 60-minute special will air on Discovery’s factual channels worldwide beginning 24 May in more than 220 countries and territories around the world. In Asia Pacific, Aftershock: Disaster In Nepal will air on Discovery Channel, starting 14 June.
As part of the production, Discovery Channel will be partnering with actress Michelle Yeoh, who will be hosting programme links and a special public service announcement to further highlight the disaster, its after-effects, and the plight of those affected. Discovery Channel has also produced a public service announcement featuring several of its personalities calling on viewers to support recovery efforts, which has been on air across Asia Pacific since the beginning of May.
The devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on 25 April unleashed a shockwave equal to the force of 20 thermonuclear weapons on the region, amassing an overwhelming death toll of more than 8,000 people, including 19 climbers who were scaling Mount Everest at the time of the quake. Historic buildings in the centre of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, were reduced to rubble and generations-old family homes destroyed.
Aftershock: Disaster In Nepal will feature expert interviews and seismic demonstration to explain the science behind the earthquakes, footage of the rescue operations in Kathmandu, news reports from around the globe and exclusive glimpses of new technology and research being developed to help humanity better predict and cope with natural events such as earthquakes. The documentary will also feature a variety of compelling first-hand accounts from those who survived the natural disaster, from a hotelier in Kathmandu laying out breakfast service and two sisters opening up their bakery in the shadow of the Pashupatinath Temple, to a group of tourists visiting Dubar Square and a newlywed couple at Everest’s Camp 1. In addition, the programme will supplement these first-hand accounts with user-generated content and social media.
Yeoh, known for her role in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and other action movies, was in Nepal at the time of the earthquake. She spends a lot of her personal time in Nepal and is a patron of Live to Love, a global humanitarian initiative that is heavily involved in providing relief and aid for the disaster.
“Nepal and the incredible work that is being carried out by Live to Love are very close to my heart. More people need to be aware of what is happening – after not one, but two earthquakes – and to witness not just the destruction and pain, but also strength and our capacity for kindness and empathy,” she said.
“Aftershock: Disaster In Nepal takes a look at everything from the science of the events to the personal stories of those at ground zero,” said Charmaine Kwan, Vice President, Programming, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific. “It is fantastic to have Michelle as a partner as we bring people the story of the disaster and continue our efforts to support the call for aid.”
Aftershock: Disaster In Nepal is produced by ITN Productions. Elizabeth McIntyre is the commissioner and Tom Gorham is the executive producer for DNI. Ian Russell is the executive producer and Marc Tiley is the producer/director for ITN Productions.
