Disaster Preparedness

Disaster preparedness is a continuous and integrated process, and refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of disasters. It includes pre-disaster activities such as developing an overall preparedness strategy, policy, institutional structure, warning and forecasting capabilities, and plans based on sound risk analyses. That is, to predict and—where possible—prevent disasters, mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations, and respond to and effectively cope with their consequences. Nepal suffers due to monsoon floods and landslides every year, affecting the livelihoods of thousands of the population. District Disaster Relief Committees (DDRCs) with the support of UN agencies, I/NGOs, and the Red Cross Movement have been managing preparedness workshops in more than 30 districts nationwide, and piloting the preparation of cluster-level District Contingency Plans (DCPs) in seven of the most vulnerable Terai districts.

The Natural Disaster Relief Act, 1982 of Government of Nepal (GON) is the first Act so far that recognizes earthquake, fire, storm, flood, landslide, heavy rainfall, drought, famine and epidemics as disaster. Natural Disaster Relief Act, 1982 A.D. defines Natural Disaster Relief Work as any relief work to be carried out in the area affected or likely to be affected by the natural disaster in order to remove the grief and inconvenience caused to the people, to rehabilitate the victims of the natural disaster, to protect the public property and life and property of the people, to control and prevent the natural disaster and to make advance preparation thereof. Prior to 1982 A.D. relief and rescue works were carried out as the social works only. It has already been amended twice in 1989 and 1992 A.D.
According to this Act, GON has constituted the Central Disaster Relief Committee under the chairmanship of the Home Minister in order to formulate and implement the policies and programs relating to the natural disaster relief work and to undertake other necessary measures thereof. Moreover, the Central Committee prepares specific norms of relief assistance to be provided to the disaster victims of the affected areas in cash and/or in kind through the District Disaster Relief Committees.