Focus on early warning, forecasting and preparedness to reduce losses
KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 22
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has said the government is committed to reinforcing, institutionalising and expanding anticipatory disaster actions based on preparedness, early warning systems and forecasting.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 4th National Dialogue on Anticipatory Action in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Aryal said the two-day event would help generate new learning, innovative ideas and stronger collaboration to minimise human and physical losses caused by disasters.
The programme is being organised by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).
Aryal noted that Nepal remains highly vulnerable to disasters, including landslides, droughts, fires, lightning, heat waves, cold waves and climate-induced epidemics, with their frequency and severity increasing due to climate change. He stressed the need for evidence-based forecasting, impact-based early warning systems and clear action plans to make preventive measures more effective.
NDRRMA Executive Chief Dinesh Prasad Bhatta said Nepal faces almost all types of disasters except tsunamis, adding that around 80 percent are linked to hydrological and meteorological causes.
UN Resident Coordinator Hanna Singer Hamdy said anticipatory, forecast-based actions improve accountability and learning, strengthening disaster response systems over time.
(With inputs from RSS)