Kathmandu, July 25

Lack of comprehensive policies on disaster risk reduction and management is one of the crucial challenges Nepal faces, says a report recently released by the government.

According to a report published by the Ministry of Urban Development, as various organisations and line agencies are involved in different areas, lack of coordination among them is a challenge in implementing disaster risk reduction activities.

Dearth of political will and priority has made integration of DRR into national development a difficult task.

After the 2015 earthquake, making housing and settlements safe and disaster-resilient has become one of the greatest challenges.

Another key challenge lies in getting updated, credible and accessible disaster data information which can play a key role in the development of policy, plans and programmes to adequately address vulnerabilities and disaster risks.

“For sustainability and success of DRR, it is vital to link livelihoods of marginalised communities with DRR. This can be done through awareness raising and training on preparedness. It is important to use indigenous knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels. Disaster preparedness is very significant to effectively deal with disasters when they occur,” it said.

The report states that development of early warning systems to protect communities from floods and landslides could be helpful in ensuring sustainability and disaster risk reduction. Proper site selection based on geological investigations and risk sensitive land use planning can also help build disaster resilient settlements.

“Building by-laws and National Building Code should be enforced all over the country, including rural villages. Rights of community people should be protected through government policy and appropriate mechanisms; and community awareness programmes need to be implemented,” it suggested.

Nepal is prone to natural calamities such as floods, landslides, avalanches, earthquakes, fire, cyclonic winds and hailstorms, cloudburst, drought, famine and epidemics. Industrial accidents, explosion, traffic accidents, and hazardous events associated with poisonous substances have also been recorded.