Preparing for the next disaster in Nepal

“Before joining HPP, we often felt isolated, but now our confidence has significantly grown. HPP offers a reassuring sense of support, as we can reach out to other partners when needed. The open and flexible nature of HPP allows us to both offer and seek support seamlessly,” says Bhagavati Adhikari, Executive Director, Nepal Mahila Ekata Samaj (NMES), another HPP partner.

As opposed to traditional siloed response, HPP cultivates collaborative thinking and decision-making, and complementary assistance to avert any duplication of efforts.

“HPP promotes gender-responsive and inclusive humanitarian actions, minimizing fragmented responses from CSOs during disasters,” says Nilkantha Pandey from CARE Nepal.

HPP leads emergency response focusing on WASH, emergency shelter, food security, sexual and reproductive health, and gender and protection. Women and girls stay at the center of HPP’s interventions since globally women are more likely to experience disproportionate impact with higher rates of food insecurity, loss of livelihood, and violence.

“In times of disaster, the immediate concern is often food rationing, typically meant for the entire family. However, the challenges of disaster don’t exempt women from menstruating or giving birth. We found that in low-income families with lactating mothers, there is a struggle to access nutritious food, leading to insufficient levels of calcium and iron,” says Bhagavati Adhikari from NMES. “To address this issue, during any disaster event, we gather segregated data on pregnant women, lactating mothers, children, persons with disabilities, and elderly individuals. This targeted information allows us to prioritize and tailor relief support to meet the unique needs of these vulnerable groups.”

Always on standby 

Since HPP aims to reduce dependency on organizations that are not locally rooted, disaster response plans are often more spontaneous and coordinated. Based on the local knowledge and technical know-how, HPP partners anticipate local disasters, prioritize key hazards and collectively develop an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan with a focus on Gender in Emergency (GiE).

Whether it’s an earthquake, a flood, or a fire, the Humanitarian Partnership has built the capacity to respond quickly.

In 2023, when a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Jajarkot and Rukum districts causing widespread damage, HPP responded within 24 hours. “Tents, food, and blankets were provided by the Hilly Region Development Center and CARE Nepal, extending a lifeline to the family,” says Janaki from Jajarkot district.

Aside from recurring earthquakes, Nepal is considered the second highest country at risk of floods in the South Asia. Between 1954 and 2018, floods in Nepal caused 7,599 deaths, affected 6.1 million people and caused economic losses of about 10.6 billion USD. On average, 100 people were killed annually.

During some recent floods, the HPP managed to respond within 24-48 hours which was evident across western Nepal. “We successfully carried out our response within 48 hours of the floods in Kailali, Kanchanpur, Banke, and Bardiya,” says Dammar Sunar, Executive Director, BEE Group, a member partner of HPP.

“We have established warehouses in three districts that are strategically located to respond within 24 hours of any emergency. The stockpiles primarily consist of three essential items: basic shelter kit, hygiene kit, and dignity kit. Additionally, we maintain reserves of food packets and other necessary equipment,” says Dammar Sunar, “Whenever we fall short on any resources, we immediately notify other organizations, and they send over the resources they have in stock. Likewise, we send our stock to other organizations in need.”

In addition to earthquake and flood, Nepal has been grappling with an unprecedented number of wildfires in recent years, with the situation exacerbated by drought conditions linked to climate change. In the 2020-2021 dry season alone, Nepal recorded over 2,700 fire incidents between mid-November and late March. About 86 percent of the Nepalese houses are made of earthen wire, stone and wood and are more susceptible to catching fire.

Be it flood, earthquake or a fire, HPP responds to any such crisis almost instantaneously.

“A devastating fire that originated in my home, destroyed all our belongings including kitchen utensils and clothes. KMJS and CARE responded within 48 hours and provided us with essentials items such as dignity kits, basic shelter kits, mosquito nets, and clothes,” says another villager Gori. “We were able to support them within 48 hours of the incident. The fire affected people who lost homes received kitchen utensils, tarpaulins and sleeping mats – things they badly needed.,” adds Anita Chaudhury, Deputy Mayor of Madhuwan Municipality.

Looking ahead

The story of disaster response in western Nepal is one of resilience, innovation, and community empowerment. By pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and coordinating efforts, HPP has enabled community-based organiztions to rapidly deploy assistance when disasters strike.

As Nepal continues to grapple with the devastating impacts of climate change and natural hazards, the Humanitarian Partnership Platform stands as a model for community-driven resilience. Its story is one of hope, showing how local leadership and collaboration can transform disaster management and empower the most vulnerable to withstand and recover from the worst.