The document summarizes key information about disasters and disaster management in Nepal: 1) Nepal faces numerous natural disasters and ranks highly vulnerable to earthquakes, floods, and other hazards. Disasters cause thousands of deaths and injuries each year along with major economic losses. 2) Existing legislation focuses on relief and response but needs revision to incorporate comprehensive disaster risk reduction. A proposed Disaster Management Act would replace the outdated Natural Calamity Act. 3) The proposed act emphasizes protecting lives and property through all phases of disaster management from preparedness to recovery. It calls for coordinated disaster governance structures to effectively manage risks.

1. Disaster ljkb hf]lvd
Risk Go"gLs/0f
Reduction
Toolkit AN INFORMATION PACK FOR
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MEMBERS OF NEPAL ;Gbe{ ;fdfu|L
Working Together… for a Risk Resilient Nepal
This DRR Tool Kit for Constituent Assembly members is k|sf]k hf]lvd Go"gLs/0f;DaGwL ;Gbe{ ;fdfu|L
produced jointly by the following organizations, o'/f]lkog sldzg xo'Doflg6]l/og P8 l8kf6{d]G6sf]
with funding support of cfly{s ;xof]udf l8k]sf] kfrf}+sf ;fem]bf/ ;+:yfx?
European Commission Humanitarian Aid department -PS;gP8 ;xnufgL c;P8, s]o/ g]kfn,
(through DIPECHO V partners ActionAid with AusAID xofG8LSofk OG6/g]zgn, dl;{sf]/,
co-finance, Care Nepal, Handicap International, k|fS6Lsn PS;g / o'Pgl8lk—lal;lkcf/_
Mercy Corps, Practical Action and cS;kmfd hLaL, ;+oQm /fi6« ;+3Lo ljsf; sfo{qmd
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UNDP BCPR South and South West Asia), Oxfam GB, / cGt/f{li6«o u};; ;+3, g]kfnn]
United Nations Development Program Nepal and ;+o'Qm ?kdf ;+ljwfg ;ef ;b:ox?sf]
Association of International NGOs, Nepal. lglDt tof/ ul/Psf] xf] .
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2. European Commission Humanitarian Aid o'/f]lkog sldzg xo'd]lg6]l/og P8
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The European CommissionÊs Humanitarian Aid o'/f]lkog sldzg xo'd]lg6]l/og P8 l8kf6{d]G6
department is under the direct responsibility of sldzg/ n'O{; dfO{s]nsf] k|ToIf pQ/bfloTjdf
Commissioner Louis Michel. Since 1992, the /x]sf] 5 . ;g !((@ b]lv pQm sldzgn] o'/f]k
Commission has funded relief to millions of victims eGbf aflx/sf b]zx¿df x'g] k|fs[lts tyf dfgjhGo
of natural and man-made disasters outside the ljkbx¿af6 kLl8t nfvf}+ dflg;x¿nfO{ dfgjLo
European Union. ;xfotf k|bfg ub}{ cfPsf] 5 .
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populations, regardless of their race, ethnic group, j0f{, hftLo ;d"x, wd{, lnË, pd]/, /fli6«otf jf
religion, gender, age, nationality or political affiliation. /fhgLlts cfj4tf h]–h:tf] ePklg lgikIf
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works with 200 operational partners, including ;xfotfsf If]qdf sldzgn] ;+o'Qm /fi6« ;+3sf
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organisations (NGOs). The European Commission jf ;fem]bf/x¿;Fu sfo{ ub}{ cfO/x]sf] 5 . o'/f]lkog
is one of the biggest sources of humanitarian aid in sldzg dfgjLo ;xfotfsf If]qdf ljZjs} ;a}eGbf
the world. In 2007, it provided over 768 million Euros 7"nf] ;|f]tdWo]sf] Ps xf] . ;g @))& df o;n] dfgjLo
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been supporting a number of disaster preparedness nufot blIf0f Plzof If]qdf ljkb k"j{tof/L;DaGwL
initiatives in South Asia, including Nepal. w]/} sfo{x¿ ;~rfng ub}{ cfO/]sf] 5 .
For more information, please visit official website of European Commission at www.ec.europa.eu

3. Disaster Situation
in Nepal
Disaster
Disaster Situation in Nepal
Risk
Reduction
Toolkit
30 th
Global Rank in Water Induced
Disasters Risk
11
“
th
Global Rank in
Earthquake Risk
Photo: ECO Nepal
Ü Of 198 countries in the
346 recent diarrhea
world, Nepal is ranked 11th
in terms of earthquake
Living under constant
threat of disasters,
affected death risk and 30th in terms of
water-induced disaster risk we Nepalese people
62,016
(UN/BCPR, 2004)
have to ensure a risk
recent diarrhea Ü Nepal is highly vulnerable resilient country to
to a variety of disasters
affected people
like flood, landslide,
ensure our right to
earthquake, fi re, epidemic,
and climate change lead a secure life...
impact, etc.
1,000 death due to
Ü Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), avalenches, industrial and
transport accident, environmental pollution, pesticides related
disasters, accidents etc. are contributing to disaster vulnerability in Nepal.
every year
Ü A recent report of Department of Epidemelogy and Disease
1,20,80,00,000 Control, Nepal shows that 346 people died and 62,016 people
were directly by diarrheal epidemic that spread over 20 districts
NPR, economic of far and mid-western Nepal since 2008.
loss per year

4. Ü Likewise, global epidemics like Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)
and Swine Flu (H1N1) are already affecting the local
population.
Ü Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) report indicates that
every year, more than 1,000 people die due to disasters.
According to DisInventar Database, on an average over two
persons die everyday because of disasters, 200 everyday are
affected.
Photo: Co Action Nepal
Ü From 1971 to 2007, over 1,33,000 people were affected
every year by disasters... over 9,350 houses were destroyed
every year (MoHA)
Ü MoHA report shows that economic loss due to disasters is
NPR 1.2 billion a year.
“
Ü German Watch Index, 2006 states that Nepal is ranked
Photo: ISET-N 6th in terms of vulnerability due climate change induced
hazards.
Ü Nepal’s average temperature is increasing rapidly compared
to global average in global warming. If the current trend
of rising temperature continues, three-fourth of Nepal’s
3,000+ glacial lakes will dwindle by 2030 due to premature
meltdown.
Ü ICIMOD assessment illustrates that of the 2323 glacial lakes
of Nepal, 20 are potentially dangerous and can result in
According to various Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF).
studies, among the
Ü Entire Nepal’s on high seismic active zone indicating
major 200 cities of impending high intensity earthquake anytime. According to
various studies, among the major 200 cities of the world,
the world, Kathmandu Kathmandu valley is extremely vulnerable to earthquake and
valley is extremely can result in mass scale destruction of lives and property.
vulnerable to Ü The joint study report of MoHA and JICA (Japan
International Coorporation Agency), 2002 estimates that
earthquake and can
if an earthquake of intensity equivalent to 8.4 Richter scale
result in mass scale strikes Kathmandu valley (compared to 1934 earthquake),
40,000 people may lose life;
destruction of lives 95,000 people are likely to be injured and over 60 percent
and property. of the buildings will collapse.
Ü The frequency, intensity and impact of disasters is on the
rise...

5. Disaster Management
Disaster
Risk
Reduction
Toolkit
Legislation:
Legislation: Need for Revision
Disaster Management
Need for Revision
al
Nep
to: ECO
Pho
Natural Calamity
”
(Relief) Act of 1982,
though amended twice
is has not served its purpose
in ensuring rights of disaster affected
and disaster vulnerable people. In its current
form, it is inadequate to address comprehensive risk
reduction framework. A revision to the existing legal
provisions is imperative now…
 Nepal is highly vulnerable to disaster risks.  Previous experiences have given ample
The country lags in its capacity to cope with evidence that preparedness measures
disasters and major disaster events can wreck can reduce disaster losses drastically. (In
havoc to the future of Nepal. There is a need to Bangladesh, the cycle of 1970 killed
strengthen the policy and legislation on disaster 500,000 people while only 4,000 life
management, losses were reported due to 2009 cyclone.
Experiences have emphasizing Reason is the comprehensive cyclone
proved that disaster on holistic risk preparedness program in Bangladesh
preparedness can reduce reduction measures since early 90’s).
90% of human losses. through clear
One rupee invested in emphasis on  The Natural Calamity (Relief) Act of 1982,
preparedness can save various stages amended twice in 1989 and 1992 is more
seven rupees at times of of disaster risk response oriented. The existing legislation has
mass casualties. management cycle. been found to be inadequate to address rights

6. of disaster affected or disaster vulnerable  The proposed comprehensive risk reduction
people. Three is a need for immediate framework should include, among other
revision of the existing legal provisions to provisions:
ensure holistic risk management policies
and systems giving adequate emphasis Transition from a ‘relief centric’ to a ‘risk
on all stages of disaster risk management reduction centric’ approach
cycle from preparedness to sustainable Elimination of ‘knowledge gap’ on disaster risk
development. reduction in the society
Emphasis on gender and social inclusion
 The state must ensure that people with including people with disabilities
disabilities as well as other differentially Efficient and effective coordination through
vulnerable people are consulted and included participation at all stages of disaster risk
in all aspects of society, ensuring equal reduction process
opportunities in private and public life. Integrating risk reduction approach into
Inclusion of differentially vulnerable people development policies and actions
must be a component of any decision Establishment of an effective organizational
and action on disaster risk management at structure to facilitate quick and efficient decision
various levels. making
Integrating disaster risk reduction plans at various
 Disaster Impact Assessment should be levels, from local to national levels
mandatory during development and Establishment of disaster management fund with
infrastructure planning, along with clear authority and guidelines
environmental impact assessment. Strengthening political commitment for
comprehensive disaster risk reduction
 The government should immediately address
need for stronger legislation, which has  Under aegis of the Hyogo Framework of Action
been proposed to the government through a to reduce disaster risks (Nepal is a signatory to
multi-stakeholder initiative in 2005. this global framework), a National Strategy for
Disaster Risk Management was approved by
International legal the cabinet in 2009. This strategy needs to be
instruments and followed up with appropriate policy and necessary
humanitarian standards legislation to convert intention and strategy into
emphasizes on right to reality.
life with dignity during
Government of Nepal has adopted
emergencies. It underlines
the United Nation’s Convention
the responsibility of the state
Nepa
l related the rights of people with
: ECO
to protect and safeguard Photo
disabilities in 2009. Especially
human life and dignity.
the clause 11 has mentioned
that every country should
have developed all necessary
arrangement required to protect
the rights of people with disabilities
during thedisaster including
armed conflict, human conflict and
natural disasters.

7. Disaster
Risk Proposed Disaster
Management Act,
Reduction
Toolkit
2009 – Key Features
“
The proposed Disaster Management Act, 2009 is towards
enhancing effective management of risk reduction throughout the
disaster management cycle – preparedness, mitigation, rescue and
Proposed Disaster Management
Act, 2009 – Key Features
relief, rehabilitation and recovery
The proposed Act emphasizes on protecting and securing lives
It is very urgent to and property with emphasis on critical facilities that impact general
public and facilitates management of disasters effectively
pass out the Disaster
Management Act The proposed Disaster Management Act, 2009 calls for
replacement of the existing Natural Calamity (Relief) Act, 1982
to support the
The salient features of the proposed DM Act are:
implementation of National
Strategy on Disaster • Disasters are defined distinctly as natural and human induced
Risk Management, • Provision for National Council for Disaster Management
(NCDM) to be chaired by R. H. Prime Minister of Nepal
which supplements the with clear mandate and functions, duties, responsibilities and
authority of the council.
development of the
country and ensures the
• Proposal to set up National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA) under the NCDM, to act as the focal point for
disaster management functions in Nepal from formulation
rights of each individual to of appropriate strategies and plans to implementation and
safe life. supervision of disaster management activities
• Clarifies theforcesresponsibility andArmy, Nepal
of security
role,
including Nepal
functions
Police and Armed Police Force; institutions,
industrial sector and private organizations
Photo: ECO Nepal

8. The proposed • Emphasizes on development of
micro and macro hazard and
Though the proposed Disaster
Management Act, developed through a
Disaster vulnerability maps for disaster prone multi-stakeholder consulting and initiative,
areas to inform decision makers was submitted to the government, three
Management
to address disaster risk reduction years have elapsed in the meantime. An
Act, 2063 calls effectively effective legislation and policy framework
”
could have guided the country to reduce
for replacement • Clarity in different approaches and
functions during the three states
disaster impacts during this period and for
of the existing future. Lack of an efficient and sound legal
- pre-disaster, during-disaster and
provision has resulted in the people leading
post-disaster
Natural Calamity a life ridden with multiple vulnerability,
(Relief) Act, • Clarity in actions and approaches
during different stages in a
insecure from threats and unsure about
securing rights to lead a life with dignity
2032 disaster risk reduction cycle, from during disasters.
preparedness onwards to relief,
recovery and development We urge the constituent assembly
members, policy makers and government
• Proposal for various committees
to look into and be responsible
to endorse the proposed Disaster
Management Act without further delay. A
for Preparedness, Rescue and
“
strong Nepal requires a strong disaster risk
Relief as well as Rehabilitation and
reduction framework and it is the primary
Reconstruction; under the leadership
responsibility of the state to offer such a
respective ministries including
framework to the people of Nepal.
formation of similar committees at
district and local levels
Three years have
gone by since the
proposed Disaster
Management Act
was submitted to
the government. We
urge the constituent
assembly members,
policy makers
and government
to endorse the
proposed Disaster
Management Act,
2009 without further
delay.
Photo: UNDP-BPCR

9. Disaster
Risk
Reduction
Photo: ECO Nepal Toolkit
The need for
National Strategy for institutional
Disaster Risk Management, 2009 strengthening is very
”
important for effective
implementation of
The Government of Nepal approved the National Strategy for Disaster sector approach
Risk Management (NSDRM) 2009, paving way to address disaster underlined in the
risk reduction in a comprehensive manner within overall development
National Strategy
framework. Guided by the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), the
NSDRM is a step towards meeting the goals and priorities set through for Disaster Risk
HFA. Management
The NSDRM has an overall objective of providing direction to
Disaster Risk Management
integrate disaster risk reduction into national development plans and
National Strategy for
processes.
NSDRM analyses risks and vulnerabilities of Nepal, taking note of
historic events and seeking to learn from past events. It emphasizes
on the relationship between disasters and poverty and suggests strong
risk reduction approach to insure development investments by the
government.
NSDRM is based on the spirit and principles of Total Disaster Risk
Management (TDRM) approach
Major guiding principles of
disaster risk management
strategy: Photo: Co-Action Nepal
• Mainstreaming disaster risk • Holistic risk management
Women are 14
reduction into development approach
plans
• Safety and security to staff times more likely
• Ensuring safety to life and and stakeholders
to die of natural
social security
• One window policy and
disasters
• Gender and social inclusion cluster based approach to
disaster management
• Decentralized
implementation processes • Spirit of participatory,
interactive and coordinated
efforts to DRR

10. Major strategic priorities:
Considering the Hyogo Framework for Action – HFA • Reduce the factors of extended risks, and
(2005-2015) as a guiding document, identifying the
major challenges in the Nepalese context and in the
• Strengthen disaster preparedness for
effective response.
implementation process of getting solution to them, the
major five priority actions are defined as: In order to achieve those priority activities,
29 strategic activities, their indicative activities
• Prioritizing disaster risks mitigation at national and and outcomes and responsible agencies for
local level and ensuring the management of strong operation are also defined.
organizational structure for its
implementation,
• Assessment of potential disaster
risks, identify, monitor and
enhance early-warning system
• Use of knowledge, innovation
and education in order to develop
safe culture and resilience,
Photo: Handicap International
Sectoral Strategies for Disaster Risk
Reduction (DRR):
For disaster risk reduction and managing • Strategy related to livelihood sector
preparedness, mitigation or response work for
emergency situations, different sectoral activities
• Strategy related to water and sanitation
sector
are also mentioned in this strategy as per the
nature of nine sectors: • Strategy related to forest and soil
conservation sectors
• Strategy related to agriculture and food
security sector • Strategy related to information,
communication, coordination and
• Strategy related to health and nutrition sector
management capacity sector
• Strategy related to education sector
• Strategy related to tracing, rescue and
• Strategy related to shelter, infrastructure and damage assessment and need analysis
physical planning sector sector
Photo: ECO Nepal

11. Disaster
Risk
Reduction
Toolkit
The Hyogo Framework
for Action (HFA):
The common strategy approved by the member states of the
United Nations Organizations for global disaster risk reduction
is the “Hyogo Framework for Action”. In the Second UN World
Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Kobe, Japan
…
Photo: ECO Nepal from 18 to 22 January, 2005, 168 states of the world unanimously
approved the Hyogo Framework of Action with commitment for
its adoption.
The Hyogo Framework for Action has expected an important
The common
result that within the period of a decade by 2015, through
strategy approved by significant reduction of humanitarian, social, economic and
the member states environmental impacts caused by disaster, every state and
of the United Nations community will develop resilience against it.
Organizations for
The Hyogo Framework of Action has defined five priority areas
global disaster risk
of action. In order to get them effectively implemented, guiding
reduction is the principles are developed and it has also recommended practical
Framework
The Hyogo
“Hyogo Framework measures to develop resilience among the communities vulnerable
for Action”. to disaster on the background of sustainable development.
…
The Hyogo Framework of Action emphasizes on the concept
of disaster risk reduction as a center of development plan and
strategy. Disaster challenges the achievements of development
and increases poverty. Thus it has made aware of the fact that
The Hyogo Framework the impact of disaster can be the main barrier to Millennium
for Action has expected Development Goals (MDGs) if serious steps are not taken in
an important result that time.
within the period of a
1
decade by 2015, through
International Strategy
ISDR
for Disaster Reduction
SUMMARY of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015:
International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters (Hyogo Framework)
significant reduction Expected outcome, strategic goals and priorities for action 2005-2015
Expected Outcome
of humanitarian,
The substantial reduction of disaster losses, in lives and in the social,
economic and environmental assets of communities and countries
Contributing to the achievements of the internationally agreed development goals (including the MDGs)
Strategic Goals
social, economic and The integration of disaster risk reduction into
sustainable development policies and planning
Development and strengthening of institutions,
mechanisms and capacities to build resilience to
hazards
The systematic incorporation of risk reduction
approaches into the implementation of emergency
preparedness, response and recovery programmes
environmental impacts Priorities for Action
caused by disaster,
1. Ensure that disaster risk 2. Identify, assess and monitor 3. Use knowledge, innovation 4. Reduce the underlying risk factors 5. Strengthen disaster preparedness
reduction (DRR) is a national disaster risks and enhance early and education to build a culture for effective response at all levels
and a local priority with a warning of safety and resilience at
strong institutional basis for all levels
implementation
every state and
� DRR institutional mechanisms � Risk assessments and maps, � Information sharing and cooperation; � Sustainable ecosystems and environmental � Disaster management capacities:
(national platforms); multi-risk: elaboration and � Networks across disciplines and management policy, technical and institutional
designated responsibilities dissemination regions; dialogue � DRR strategies integrated with climate change capacities
� DRR part of development � Indicators on DRR and vulnerability � Use of standard DRR terminology adaptation � Dialogue, coordination & information
Key Activities
policies and planning, sector � Data & statistical loss information � Inclusion of DRR into school � Food security for resilience exchange between disaster managers
wise and multisector � Early warning: people centered; curricula, formal and informal � DRR integrated into health sector and safe hospitals and development sectors
community will develop
� Legislation to support DRR information systems; public policy education � Protection of critical public facilities � Regional approaches to disaster
� Decentralisation of � Scientific and technological � Training and learning on DRR: � Recovery schemes and social safety- nets response, with risk reduction focus
responsibilities and resources development; data sharing, space- community level, local authorities, � Vulnerability reduction with diversified income options � Review & and exercise preparedness
� Assessment of human based earth observation, climate targeted sectors; equal access � Financial risk-sharing mechanisms and contingency plans
resources and capacities modeling and forecasting; early � Research capacity: multi-risk; socio- � Public-private partnership � Emergency funds
� Foster political commitment warning economic; application � Land use planning and building codes � Voluntarism & participation
resilience against it.
� Community participation � Regional and emerging risks � Public awareness and media � Rural development plans and DRR
Cross Cutting Issues
Multi-hazard approach Gender perspective and cultural diversity Community and volunteers participation Capacity building & technology transfer
DRR= disaster risk reduction www.unisdr.org

12. Priorities of Hyogo Framework for Action: development, reduce the causes of vulnerability
by appropriate landuse planning and
The Hyogo Framework for Action has techniques.
identified five priorities for actions. This
can be called as the core part of the Hyogo Priority action 5: Strengthen disaster
Framework for Action. It has explained the preparedness for effective response at all
details of the potential actions under each levels.
priority.
Make strong policies, technical and institutional
capacity through development of human and
Priority action 1: Ensure that disaster
physical resources with trainings related to
risk reduction is a national and a local
disaster management at local, regional land
priority with a strong institutional basis
national level.
for implementation.
For strong institutional, national designs, With an aim of making effective disaster
institutional instruments and legal framework, risk reduction, there should be coordination,
sustainable resource management, information sharing between all stakeholders
community participation must be strong. of preparedness, vulnerability reduction, and
disaster coping and development sector.
Priority action 2: Identify, assess, and
monitor disaster risks and enhance early In a national situation of disaster overlapping
warning system. the coping capacity, it is necessary to ensure the
effective development and strengthening of
Identify local, regional and national
coordination in regional level, implement the
vulnerability, monitoring and evaluation,
policy in regional level, planning and establish
develop early warning system, and capacity
early warning system.
building to cope with the potential
vulnerability.
Develop planning and policy of preparedness
visioning the most disaster affective region and
Priority action 3: Use knowledge,
group. Ensure the quick and effective response
innovation, and education to build a
in case of disaster, support with food and
culture of safety and resilience at all
necessary items and promote the practice of
levels.
preparedness.
Information management and information
sharing at local and national level, raise To establish an Emergency fund as per
capacity through awareness including necessary for coping disaster, reduce loss and
education, training, and research to face support preparedness activities.
disaster and secured community.
Motivate the attitude of volunteerism among
Priority action 4: Reduce the underlying community and stakeholder and active
risk factors participation to reduce disaster vulnerability.
Environmental and natural resource
management, practice social and economical

13. Disaster
Risk
Reduction
Toolkit
Mainstreaming Disaster
Risk Reduction into Development
Photo: ECO Nepal
 Disasters destroy development plays a
human lives, property, It is necessary to draft vital role in ushering
social and cultural development.
assets and phycho- the legal and institutional Infrastructure and
social well being of critical facility
frameworks for mainstreaming development should
the society
 Disasters destroy
disaster into development to keep risk reduction
parameters in mind
development work for disaster risk reduction from conception state
Mainstreaming Disaster Risk
Reduction into Development
investments and onwards
pull back years of and develop risk resilient
development and growth  Adequate efforts
Nepal. should be given to ensure
 Investment in development, implementation of national
without risk consideration, will make building code to reduce disaster risks.
structures and systems vulnerable to This should be made mandatory at all
disasters levels.
 Achievement of Millennium Development  Community participation in all
Goals and sustainable development levels of decision making is of
in Nepal cannot be achieved without paramount importance in risk
addressing disaster risks reduction mainstreaming, including
 Mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction participation of differentially
into development will enhance local, vulnerable groups
regional and national capacity to cope  It is necessary to strengthen local
with disasters and become risk resilient knowledge, skills and techniques
 Economic development is necessary to cope with disasters, through a
for poverty reduction. Infrastructure community led participatory exercise

14.  It is necessary to develop and put in  Recent earthquakes have
place disaster management action plan demonstrated that unsafe
in all 75 districts of Nepal and its VDCs school structures can cause
widespread loss. For example,
 Adequate studies and researches
in 2004 earthquake in Pakistan,
should be carried out along river basins
18,000 children were killed by
to understand floods, flash floods and
unsafe school buildings. School
landslides, from hills to terai. Appropriate
buildings in Nepal are unsafe.
mechanisms should be developed to
Immediate measures should
address associated risks to people,
be taken towards school and
property and environment
hospital safety
Major Legal instruments for DRR
Natural Calamity Relief Act, 1982
National Action Plan 1996 (Amendment)
Three Years Interim Plan's Approach Paper 2005-2008
Disaster Victim Relief Distribution Norms , 2007
National Disaster Risk Reduction Platform, 2008
National Strategy on Disaster Risk Management, 2009
Disaster Management Act, 2009
People’s Declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction
Photo: UNDP-BPCR

15. Disaster
Risk
Reduction
Toolkit
People’s Declaration on
Disaster Risk Reduction, Nepal
We, the people of Nepal who are under constant
threat of disasters, who are affected by disasters The new constitution of
and vulnerable to the growing incidences of
calamities, hereby declare that:
Nepal should clearly address
1) Disaster Risk Reduction is people’s rights.
the issues of disasters in
"
It entails ensuring security to people who the country and should
are affected by and vulnerable to disasters.
We urge the government of Nepal to
the fundamental rights of
immediately take further measures for a disaster affected and disaster
comprehensive disaster risk reduction policy
vulnerable persons to a safe
that emphasizes addressing the special needs
and concerns of differentially vulnerable and secure life with dignity
people.
and protection of their rights
2) The rights of people can be protected
from disaster risks
only through appropriate legal and policy
provisions. We seek immediate adoption of We believe that there is tremendous scope
the Disaster Management Act 2063 (Revised for us to build upon our achievements and
and submitted to the government in scale up our initiatives at community level.
February 2007) by the constituent assembly, We seek continued support of the key
stakeholders who have been working with
us to enhance our disaster resilience.
3) We believe that efficient governance and
a prosperous nation cannot be achieved
without including people in the decision 5) We believe that a culture of risk reduction
making process. Community is the first has to be encouraged at all levels, from the
Disaster Risk Reduction
People’s Declaration on
impact receiver of any disaster and the first grassroots people to the highest offices of
responder too. We urge the government the government. We urge the government
to ensure that policy framework and to build capacities of its own systems to
government decisions should invariably mainstream risk reduction at all levels and
include people’s participation at various and invest in building community capacity to
appropriate levels. better respond to and prepare themselves to
disasters.
4) We recognize the important role played
by international NGOs, civil society, 6) We believe that mainstreaming disaster risk
local NGOs, donors and government in reduction within the development process
supporting disaster risk reduction initiatives. and addressing rights of disaster affected

16. people needs priority investments. We urge
the government, donors and international
We believe that a culture community to listen to the voices of people
and extend their fullest support to our
of risk reduction has to be desire to build a risk free nation.
encouraged at all levels,
7) We understand the importance of
from the grassroots people working together. We declare our
underlying commitment to the process of
to the highest offices of comprehensive disaster risk reduction in
Nepal and assure our support to initiatives
the government. We urge from government, donors, international
community and other national stakeholders
the government to build to build a Risk Free Nepal
capacities of its own systems
8) We believe that a dream of a New Nepal
to mainstream risk reduction cannot be realized without addressing
"
the inherent risks posed by disasters. We
at all levels and invest in believe that disaster risk reduction is not
an option for this country, but an essential
building community capacity pre-requisite that defines its development
process.
to better respond to and
prepare themselves to 9) We once again reiterate our commitment to
work with the government towards realizing
disasters. our goal of risk free Nepal.
Photo: Action Aid Nepal

17. Disaster
Risk
Reduction Some Experiences of
Heavy Floods in Nepal
Toolkit
49 Economic loss of
1993's flood and
billion landslide
“
Photo: Co-Action Nepal
emergency residence block
Koshi Floods: A constructed for Koshi
Agony and Anguish affected people. She was
August 18, 2008: a
l August 18, 2008: a breach in seven months pregnant
breach in the east the east embankment of the when Koshi floods broke
embankment of the mighty Koshi river resulted in out. Her family had to stay
“
mighty Koshi river
resulted in severe
floods, displacing
over 50,000 people
of Sunsari and
Saptarhi districts.
l
severe floods, displacing over
50,000 people of Sunsari and
Saptarhi districts.
Shantidevi Mandal, Haripur
VDC lost her father… lost her
property and was forced to live
in the river bank for several
days… without support,
without protection
l
without food for seven
days…
I was to be drown by
flood… people were
shouting… whole village
went under water… with
great difficulty, we survived
and fled from our village.
Heavy Floods in Nepal
Some Experiences of
l Kaburahi Sahani said that
l We became totally hopeless in the aftermath of floods,
when flood water rushed she found herself and her
into our village, said Anita family to develop health
Sada, a 19 year old living in problems. She found the

18. “ “
The flood and
landslide of Nepal
occurred during 1993
A.D was the most
destructing disaster
in 58 years time.
Photo: Co-Action Nepal
same in others too. She
got involved as a health
Floods and could have averted disaster
and reduced losses
volunteer, but it came late. Landslides of 1993
If such support systems l There was no weather
The flood and landslide of
were available immediately forecasts coming up.
Nepal occurred during 1993
after floods, things would People were not aware
A.D was the most destructing
have been much better. that Koshi was swelling
disaster in 58 years time. The
Kaburahi lost her son due to alarmingly.
data of loss at that year is as
post flood epidemic. follows: l There was no plans for
Shanti Devi is another any shelter settlements.
l
Disaster loss area Loss The identified shelters
person who lost everything
in life. She lost her home, were vulnerable to further
Death 1336
her buffaloes and land. Her landslides
Missing 163
husband is a wage laborer Affected family 85254 l At that time, even the
with irregular employment. Destroyed Houses 25425 governmental, non
One of her sons is Agricultural land government and other
physically challenged. Other (hectare) 17113 institutional support were
left home to work in India. Economic Loss sporadic and not efficient.
During the floods, when she (NRs ) 49,00,000 An efficient system could
thought everything is lost, have reduced disaster after
some fellow villagers helped l The floods and landslides effects to a great extent
rescued her to safe place of 1993 was one of the
near the river bank. Her l Post disaster epidemics
most destructive disasters
future looks bleak now. spread out, taking out more
to have hit Nepal.
lives with it. Even today,
l Nuna Devi and her three l There is a widespread people get nightmares of
children ran and ran with feeling in the community that vicious day
other villagers during that that losses by 1993 floods
gruesome night. She was l Government could not
and landslides are grossly
9 months pregnant at that provide adequate relief
underestimated and
time. She went many days and rehabilitation support,
improperly reported
without food and with much though the royal family
physical and mental pain. l There was no early warning had visited the affected
available to people. Warning area in 1993. People were
left to fend for themselves.

19. Promoting Early Warning System:
A Basis for Risk Reduction
Disaster
Risk
Reduction
Toolkit
Each year, the monsoon flood destroys
life and property of thousands of One night in 1993, there was a
people. It causes soil erosion, kills heavy flood in village. The flood
livestock destroys stored food items, swept away my home together
and life and properties making it almost with 24 livestock and 145800
impossible to rehabilitate.
sq. ft of crop land. Even I was
Hundreds of people are displacing displaced near forest in the north
from their home as well as losing their part of Bhandara.
life due to landslides and soil erosion -Nawaraj Silwal, 50, Bhandara, Chitwan
occurring every year.
Millions of people in Nepal are
bound to live with a fear of potential At midnight, when I got down
earthquake that may largely destroy life from my bed to go to toilet, I
and properties. came to know that the water level
was already reached to my knee.
-Lahu Ram Chaudhary, Lalitpur, Kailali
These are only few voices, representing the whole
affected people expressing their problems due to
lack of Early Warning System.
It is possible to get early warning
information to be safe from the above
mentioned disasters. It only demands
commitments and action to change
behaviour.
Till date, Community Based Early Warning
System (CBEWS) for flood is established
in five districts (Chitwan, Nawalparasi,
Banke, Bardia and Kailali) of Nepal. With
this successful experience we can now be
optimistic for a safer future.
Early Warning
Promoting
Photo: Practical Action
System

20. As soon as we heard the Siren, This time there was no need
we came out from our house, took of rescue and relief operation
our livestock to upland ground due to Early Warning System
(Thule Chour), and shifted our established in west Rapti River.
important goods and documents The communities already received
from ground floor to upstairs. the flood information and reached
-Basant Chaudhary, Bagaicha Tole, to safer place before flood.
Nawalparasi, sharing experiences of after
flood of 6 September 2007 -Chief District Officer, Birendra Baniya,
Banke speaking in5 January 2010 workshop
after the flood of 6 October 2009
We are happy and proud that life
of all the people in our community
was saved. Due to the Early Definitely, all flood affected people
Warning System equipment residing near river banks in Nepal are
and right use of knowledge and not getting early warning facilities.
skills gained during the training
and exposure visits people were Besides flood, there is no early warning
system established for other different
safe in the project communities.
types of disaster.
Whereas, 24 people had lost
their lives in our neighbouring It is an urgent need to scale up such
communities. Early Warning System in other areas
of the country. Hence, the support to
-ChalluRam Chaudhary, Hasuliya, Kailai
government has already been started to
sharing his experiences after flood of 20
draft National Early Warning Strategy for
September 2008
Key Disaster Risk Reduction in Nepal.
Photo: Practical Action

21. Disaster Loss Database Disaster
Risk
Reduction
Database of disaster loss from 1971 A.D to 2008 A.D Toolkit
District Data-cards Human Houses
Deaths Injuries Affected Destroyed Damaged
Achham 131 627 97 213,793 299 43
Arghakanchi 95 145 316 31,574 697 768
Baglung 195 422 181 59,360 964 276
Baitadi 108 331 1,669 24,507 1,426 2,018
Bajhang 79 281 30 13,053 6,516 8,622
Bajura 130 460 54 23,631 421 74
Banke 344 1,022 763 87,933 5,347 544
Bara 276 223 673 109,941 1,704 415
Bardiya 170 198 484 27,152 8,871 9,156
Bhaktapur 218 76 200 13,343 657 1,674
Bhojpur 130 219 749 81,354 1,791 4,785
Chitawan 280 419 5,592 192,515 5,160 953
Dadeldhura 86 55 192 7,331 95 132
Dailekh 168 485 154 7,747 389 136
Dang 372 483 551 55,211 1,683 361
Darchula 113 193 134 2,861 4,307 2,885
Dhading 315 450 535 25,171 1,636 685
Dhankuta 140 219 1,247 7,485 3,831 5,446
Dhanusa 388 660 976 424,180 9,179 9,148
Dolakha 182 316 590 18,504 722 1,581
Dolpa 72 328 68 820 39 0
Doti 185 784 2,250 32,548 151 184
Gorkha 170 421 696 37,585 729 45
Gulmi 135 274 88 6,722 444 298
Humla 150 391 89 10,980 132 77
Ilam 165 233 1,496 4,038 1,003 3,056
Jajarkot 124 490 250 14,247 604 342
Jhapa 601 570 1,363 50,030 5,132 783
Jumla 138 408 242 46,082 224 156
Kailali 363 1,056 893 66,996 2,265 447
Kalikot 119 604 153 4,703 85 247
Kanchanpur 223 281 4,968 30,853 848 566
Kapilbastu 163 274 308 36,623 5,540 242
Kaski 355 369 241 7,329 449 249
Kathmandu 673 404 828 8,235 518 795
Kavre 329 303 1,099 30,105 2,826 1,150
Khotang 111 254 549 13,437 3,171 6,175
Lalitpur 269 198 167 3,366 848 370

22. District Data-cards Human Houses
Deaths Injuries Affected Destroyed Damaged
Lamjung 155 161 74 11,786 468 127
Mahotari 355 433 1,305 548,075 9,073 6,144
Makwanpur 473 946 571 101,716 3,638 2,844
Manang 46 78 15 808 41 4
Morang 651 835 2,061 87,053 3,555 4,038
Mugu 72 336 78 3,249 264 67
Mustang 48 40 25 2,278 121 4
Myagdi 138 225 403 18,036 264 128
Nawalparasi 322 301 893 76,443 4,593 1,706
Nuwakot 232 271 567 8,653 366 117
Okhaldhunga 125 211 253 7,979 2,224 1,382
Palpa 194 304 951 56,484 895 434
Panchthar 145 189 834 9,658 1,498 3,486
Parbat 175 88 476 69,816 384 145
Parsa 232 235 3,194 371,942 3,423 380
Pyuthan 100 247 618 2,077 368 66
Ramechhap 214 223 594 23,328 1,666 3,063
Rasuwa 112 374 22 4,191 252 139
Rautahat 343 655 574 393,066 5,915 13,969
Rolpa 84 227 206 4,938 429 11
Rukum 121 366 149 13,705 761 496
Rupandehi 292 501 1,064 51,591 4,207 1,301
Salyan 129 208 450 3,242 249 74
Sankhuwasabha210 245 473 17,251 1,088 1,582
Saptari 539 831 545 432,075 25,542 2,803
Sarlahi 338 997 769 456,498 14,451 15,492
Sindhuli 290 467 714 164,612 4,059 2,957
Sindhupalchoke314 662 866 96,491 1,395 621
Siraha 328 376 379 68,859 9,759 3,260
Solukhumbu 123 164 515 13,984 545 95
Sunsari 479 531 2,911 258,577 14,923 9,195
Surkhet 81 112 23 4,385 105 210
Syangja 309 388 258 32,989 1,666 939
Tanahu 253 253 366 86,501 793 647
Taplejung 230 276 362 23,503 618 575
Terhathum 99 127 194 10,920 1,574 2,523
Udayapur 263 329 744 75,845 4,367 3,854
Total 16,879 28,138 55,431 5,443,949 206,242 149,762
Source: Nepal Desinventar Database, 2009 NSET

23. Disaster
Database of Disaster Loss Risk
Reduction
Toolkit
The disaster database of different types of disaster within 8 years, from 2001 A.D to 2008 A.D,
shows clear picture of Nepal
Loss/Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Death 394 418 461 310 192 221 322 171
Missing 95 45 21 58 11 20 189 6
Injured 181 134 287 160 220 150 186 55
Affected Family 26303 16054 40486 11730 16997 4273 1,29,649 21,600
Livestock loss 947 667 2126 1125 905 727 22,140 7066
Destroyed houses 8540 4596 15632 6458 3681 3155 13,655 13864
Damaged Houses 700 1664 4204 361 1137 13 28,041 1228
Agricutural land (Hectare) 520 1025 4,029 21,016
Economic loss (NRs) 1286964014 539874525 4276166156 989909000 341095212 381969055 2230866966 1,63,32300
Source: MOHA

24. Earthquake Grief of Nepal will be More Horrible
Nepal faced destructing earthquakes in1934 A.D and 1985. Meanshilw, there were some small scale earthquakes
which also made some damages. The earthquakes and the loss:
Loss/Year 1934 1966 1980 1988
Earthquake Magnitude
(Richter scale) 8.4 6.6
Earthquake Occurred Area Nepal and India Western Nepal Western Nepal Eastern Nepal
Most Affected Area Kathmandu Darchula, Darchula, Sunsari, Dharan
Baitadi, Bajang Baitadi, Bajang
Death 8,519 14 103 721
Houses Loss 2,07,740 Not Available Not Available 65,000
Source: NSET
Lesson learned from the earthquake incidence and the effects occurred after disaster are as follows:
Earthquake is not a frequent disaster event. However, experts has mentioned that in every 100 years, Nepal will
face a devastating earthquake. Earthquake is not regular as flood, landslide, epedimics etc.
Though earthquake occurs in a long time interval, damages and loss of life and property from earthquake will be
incredible.
It is not possible to predict when earthquake occurs and earthquakes occurs in very short time. Though it is of
short duration, it effects the development and destroys all constructiom. Earthquake doesnot kill people, but
people die during the breakdown of the constructed buildings.
The effect of earthquake is colossal and enormous money and time is necessary for reconstruction and
rehabilitation.

25. Western Nepal: Doti, Achham, Kalikot, Jajarkot, Large number of people died due Flood has effected terai region
Kailali and Banke; similarly eastern Nepal: to landslide in eight mountain of Nepal, most people lost
Rautahat, Dhanusha, Saptari and Morang- districts of Nepal; Myagdi, Kaski, their lives in central region,
More than 400 people are died of Epidemics. Syanjya, Dhading, Sindhupalchowk, Makawanpur and Sarlahi. Disaster
The data shows that these districts are mostly Makawanpur, Khotang, Taplejung. Risk
affected by epidemics. Reduction
Toolkit

26. Disaster brings economic Landlside has Fire is huge problem in terai region. Flood has affected
loss. It is found that affected buildings Enourmous houses are lost due buildings in Jhapa, Morang,
disasters like flood, of Syangya, to fire in Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Siraha, Makawanpur,
landslide, and fire Dhading, Kaski Siraha, Dhanusa, Mahotari, Parsa, Sindhuli, Chitwan,
contributes to the and Makawanpur kapilbastu and Banke districts of Nawalparasi, Rupandehi
property loss in Nepal of Manabharat Nepal. including other terai Disaster
Risk
range. districts. Reduction
Toolkit

27. For more information on DRR please contact any of the partners
European Commission Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) Nepal
977 1 4439120
www.ec.europa.eu/echo
Australian Government (AusAID)
977 1 4371678
www.ausaid.gov.au
Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA)
977 1 4211219/4211200
www.moha.gov.np
Association of International NGOs (AIN)
977 1 4222271/4222247
www.ain.org.np
UNDP Nepal/UNDP-BPCR
977 1 5523200
www.undp.org.np
ActionAid Nepal
977 1 4436477/4421232
www.actionaid.org/nepal
CARE Nepal
977 1 5522800/5522153
www.carenepal.org
Handicap International
977 1 4378482/4374609
www.handicap-international.org
Mercy Corps
977 1 5555532
www.mercycorps.org/countries/nepal
Practical Action
977 1 4446015/4434482
www.practical action.org
Oxfam International
977 1 5530574/5542881
www.oxfam.org
DPNet Nepal
977 1 4672165/6226613
www.dpnet.org.np
National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET)
977 1 5591000
www.nset.org.np
Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS)
977 1 4270650/4273734
www.nrcs.org
Co-Action Nepal
977 56533168
www.nepaldisaster.org
ECO Nepal
977 1 4435844
www.econepal.org

28. Working Together… for a Risk Resilient Nepal