Nepal’s Disaster Preparedness Crisis: Why the Country Is Still Not Ready for the Next Catastrophe

Nepal remains one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, facing constant threats from earthquakes, floods, landslides, and wildfires. Despite government efforts and international support, the recent video “Nepal Is Not Ready for Next DISASTER” by The Nepali Comment highlights a harsh reality: Nepal’s disaster preparedness is still alarmingly insufficient, leaving millions vulnerable to loss of life and property.

The Reality Behind Nepal’s Disaster Vulnerability

Nepal’s unique geography in the Himalayas exposes it to frequent natural hazards. The devastating 2015 earthquake, which killed nearly 9,000 people and injured 22,000, was a grim reminder of the country’s vulnerability. More recently, the November 2023 Jajarkot earthquake killed 156 people and destroyed over 65,000 houses1. Additionally, the September 2024 monsoon floods and landslides displaced thousands, destroyed homes, and caused economic losses estimated at over $340 million USD5.

Why Is Nepal Still Not Ready?

The video underscores that while natural disasters cannot always be prevented, the main failure lies in Nepal’s lack of effective disaster preparedness and response systems. Key challenges include:

• Fragmented and under-resourced disaster management systems across federal, provincial, and local governments16.
• Limited early warning and anticipatory action mechanisms, despite advances like the Anticipatory Action Clinic launched recently3.
• Inadequate infrastructure and urban planning, especially in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas.
• Insufficient community awareness and engagement, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women, children, and persons with disabilities35.
• Coordination gaps between security forces, government agencies, NGOs, and international partners during emergencies67.

Government Efforts and Gaps

The Government of Nepal has made important policy strides, including the 2017 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, the establishment of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), and the integration of disaster risk reduction (DRR) into the 15th Five-Year Plan18. Recovery plans, such as the Post-Disaster Recovery Plan (PDRP) for Western Nepal, have been approved with allocated budgets exceeding NPR 2 billion2.

However, implementation remains a critical bottleneck. Many districts still lack fully operational disaster preparedness plans, and coordination between agencies is weak. The Disaster Preparedness Network-Nepal (DPNet) and humanitarian actors continue to push for scenario-based training, improved early warning systems, and inclusive approaches, but progress is slow3.

The Role of Youth and Community Action

The video and ongoing campaigns like #UniteForResilience emphasize the urgent need for youth engagement and community-led disaster risk reduction. Empowering local communities with knowledge, resources, and decision-making power is vital to building resilience against future disasters3.

How You Can Learn More and Take Action

If you watched the video “Nepal Is Not Ready for Next DISASTER,” you can deepen your understanding of Nepal’s disaster challenges and resilience efforts by exploring resources from:

• The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA)
• Disaster Preparedness Network-Nepal (DPNet)
• Humanitarian Response and Recovery Plans (HRRP Nepal)
• International organizations supporting anticipatory action and community resilience

Supporting organizations like Green Smith Nepal, which promote sustainable development and climate resilience, is also crucial. They work on integrating disaster preparedness with environmental conservation, helping vulnerable communities adapt to climate change impacts.

In conclusion, Nepal’s disaster risk is escalating due to climate change and rapid urbanization, but the country’s preparedness and response systems have not kept pace. The time to act is now—through stronger government coordination, community empowerment, youth involvement, and international partnership—to break the cycle of disaster vulnerability.

For more detailed insights and updates on Nepal’s disaster preparedness and resilience initiatives, visit Green Smith Nepal and related disaster management platforms.

References:

1. https://www.dpnet.org.np/uploads/files/Nepal%20Position%20Papaer%20for%20GP%202025%202025-06-01%2011-02-55.pdf
2. https://hrrpnepal.org/uploads/media/NHSRPBulletinJanuary2025-compressed_20250402154225.pdf
3. https://www.dpnet.org.np
4. https://reliefweb.int/report/nepal/nepal-hrrp-bulletin-31-march-2025
5. https://cafamerica.org/blog/addressing-nepals-natural-disaster-challenges-building-resilience-in-vulnerable-communities/
6. https://www.sipa.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/migrated/downloads/DOD%252C%2520CFE_Final%2520Report.pdf
7. https://hhi.harvard.edu/sites/hwpi.harvard.edu/files/humanitarianinitiative/files/nepal_scoping_report_final_09.17.2023.pdf?m=1694982642
8. https://bipad.gov.np/en/about-us
9. https://www.undrr.org/news/successful-localization-disaster-risk-reduction-efforts-nepal-supported-through-well
10. https://hrrpnepal.org/uploads/media/NHSRPBulletinFebruary2025-compressed_20250402154430.pdf