With a purpose of providing awareness about Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), this dedicated webpage is targeted for businesses (especially women-led) and consumers to enhance their disaster resilience and generate demand for DRRM related products.

It is imperative to know about and be prepared for prospective DISASTERS.

WHY?

Nepal’s Vulnerability to Disaster

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11th high risk in terms of Earthquakes (UNDP/BCPR Report 2004)

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20th high risk in terms of multiple hazards (UNDP/BCPR Report 2004)

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30th high risk in terms of water induced hazards (Flood and Landslides)

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120th in terms of disaster resilience capacity (GAIN 2019)

Five Major Hazards Prevailing in Nepal

According to Nepal Disaster Report 2017, published by the Ministry of Home Affairs the five main disasters that could occur in Nepal on the basis of the disasters that have occurred in the past 46-year period from 1971 to 2017 are:

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Earthquake

Earthquake can be defined as the shaking of earth caused by waves moving on and below the earth's surface and causing: surface faulting, tremors, vibration, liquefaction, landslides, aftershocks and/or tsunamis (WHO).

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Landslide

Landslides occur when large amounts of earth, rock, sand or mud flow swiftly down hill and mountain slopes. The incidence of this phenomenon, usually triggered by natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, heavy rain storms or cyclones, is increasing due to modern land-use practices, climate change and deforestation. (FAO)

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Flood

Monsoon-induced flooding occurs annually in Nepal, resulting in deaths; population displacement; and damage to crops, houses, and infrastructure. Although monsoon rainfall is vital for agricultural production, heavy rains also increase risks for vulnerable populations. (USAID)

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Fires

Fires can be natural or non natural disasters. Fire can be caused by lightening or ignorance of people. Fires can hamper lives and infrastructure severely affecting the economy.

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Epidemics

Spread of disease in a large population within a community or region. Pandemic is an epidemic spread in multiple countries or continents like COVID-19.

Emerging Disasters

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Lightening

A lightning strike is an electric discharge between the atmosphere and the ground. Lightning can kill people or cause cardiac arrest. Injuries range from severe burns and permanent brain damage to memory loss and personality change.

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Glacial Lake Outburst Flood(GLOF)

GLOF can be impounded by moraine complexes, glacial ice or even bedrock and, as a result of breaching, slope failure, overtopping or other failure mechanisms,lead to catastrophic phenomena in the high mountains that threaten people’s lives, livelihoods and regional infrastructure. (ICIMOD)

For updates on Disaster Incidents, Click Here

DISASTERS Affect our Lives in Many Ways

Physical Impact

Disasters can affect our life, well-being, property, physical infrastructure, health and much more. Explore various insurance policies to cover physical losses.

Economic Impact

Disasters can disrupt businesses leading to decrease in GDP. Prepare a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to revitalize your business quickly.

Psychological Impact

People may also lose home, possessions, and community during disasters. Such stressors might place them at risk for emotional health problems. Enhance your mindfulness skills. Reach out to psycho-social counseling support.

Violence

Violence is a critical issue facing communities affected by disasters, such as abuse and neglect of child, elderly and persons with disabilities and Gender Based Violence (GBV).

Don't you think we need to be prepared for prospective DISASTERS to save ourselves and our families from the hazardous effects?

Is it possible to do so?

A big YES, YES, YES !!

How to be prepared for DISASTERS?

Firstly, being aware of disaster and its impact is vital. In order to have knowledge and information regarding disaster, its impact and management, kindly refer to online resource centre of Disaster Preparedness Network- Nepal (DPNet Nepal).

Secondly, making a plan is important. Have a Rescue, Survival & Rehabilitation plan including a business revival plan. As for capacity building for business revival you may refer to Capacity Building at EMERGE.

Last but not the least, being equipped with the essential supplies of goods before the disaster actually happens is of utmost importance. Time to pack !!!

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Have a Go-Bag ready

A "Go Bag" is an emergency-preparedness bag that you pack in advance before any disaster strikes,hoping never to need to use it. However,if disaster happens then these bags are useful in situations that require a hasty evacuation. Your emergency kit should be self-contained in one small or medium-sized bag and should contain enough nonperishable food and potable water for you and your family to last several days. You should also pack some extra clothing and blankets.

Get your Go-Bag here

Some of the most essential items for your Go-bag:

  • Water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Extra clothes and blankets
  • Torch light
  • First aid kit, any prescribed medicines
  • Whistle
  • Dust mask
  • Cell phone with charger and a backup battery
  • Water purifying tablets or liquid
  • Sanitation items (sanitary pads, diapers, wipes, toilet paper, garbage bags etc.)

Add extra cloth and blanket for you and your family.

Add a first aid kit, any medicines if you take them regularly.

Make sure to replace your food items/ medicines by checking their expiry dates every 3 months or so.

Disaster-wise Preparedness Measures

Click here for “Disability Inclusive Get Ready Guidebook” English Nepali

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Landslide

Don't build houses on slopes, make sure to have retaining walls if required, plant vegetations that anchor the soil. In case of nearby landslides, evacuate immediately.

Explore nursery species suitable for bioengineering.

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Flood

Keep yourself aware of the alert sent by the government locally. Be prepared with a go-bag having essentials. Do not walk or swim in the flood water. Turn off the electricity and if possible stay on the upper floor of the house. Floods can contaminate the drinking water therefore always use water purification before drinking it.

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Fire

If possible install smoke alarms at every level of your floor. Always keep an emergency escape plan having an emergency escape route. Keep lighters or matches out of reach of kids, make sure to turn off fire if it is being used for cooking or heating purposes and also make sure to turn off any corded electronic appliances if not being used in case of a thunderstorm.

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Lightening

In case of thunderstorms, always remain inside the house or if you are outside then get to the largest shelter at the nearest, do not use corded devices.

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Epidemic or Pandemic (like COVID)

Maintain hygiene, wear a mask and keep a safe distance while meeting people.

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Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

Be aware of GLOF prone areas, always make sure of the research before visiting the areas. If you live nearby the area keep an emergency plan, exit the area as soon as an early sign of warning or any alert is received.

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Earthquake

Have an emergency "Go-bag" ready and place it at an easily accessible place of your home/office.

Promote and build earthquake resilient homes. Retrofit old/weak buildings.

How can businesses be prepared for disasters ?

  • Be aware of different types of disasters and identify if your business operating area is prone to any of them
  • Entrepreneurs need to plan ahead, design your Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
  • While investing on infrastructure/ architecture be mindful of making it disaster resilient
  • Insurance will help the survival of your business incase of disaster. Research the best policy available here and get your business insured.
  • Enhance your capacity through learning, learn more about capacity building activities here

Shop Disaster Preparedness Products

Why wait? Start being prepared before DISASTERS strike.

Shop from Udhyami Utthan (UU) Shop which particularly showcases Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) related products, click here.

BE PREPARED, BE SAFE :)

*Please share this information with someone you think needs to know, just like you.

Let's be aware and save lives and livelihood.

+ + +  DISCLAIMER + + +

“This project is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this webpage are the sole responsibility of Thulo.Com and EMERGE and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.”
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