Disaster-Induced Vulnerabilities and Institutional Response in Indo-Nepal Tarai Region

Abstract

Indo-Nepal Tarai region is well-known for recurring disasters like flood, cyclone, earthquake, drought, and landslide. They have been affecting the people of this region almost every year. Regular occurring of disasters increases the social, economic, physical, and psychological vulnerability of the population. SAARC called for attention the condition of Indo-Tarai region and declared it a matter of human concern. It urges for initiatives on the preservation on the environment and disaster risk preparedness and response in the region. In addition, several international, national, and regional NGOs and Government Agencies such as UNDRR (United Nation Office for Disaster Risk Reduction), CARE International, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) India, National Centre for Disaster Management (NCDM) Nepal, Rapid Response NGO (India), GNK (Gram Niyojan Kendra) India, Manav Seva Sansthan SEVA and DEHAT (Developmental Association for Human Advancement), India are playing important roles in disaster response, mitigation, and spreading awareness. But disaster response in the region is facing continuously challenges like absence of vertical and horizontal coordination between public and private organizations and organizations working across the border. It is worth mentioning that disasters do not consider political boundaries, and disaster-prone transboundary basin like Indo-Nepal Tarai region needs a strong international strategy and commitment for transboundary institutional cooperation’s, which is generally absent in the region. Though the International and National organizations are usually following a common disaster management strategy, most of the time they remain unaware and insensitive toward the local requirements. These constraints often triggered disaster-related risks. Institutions are key players in developing policies and tools for disaster management. The focus of this study is to observe and assess the coordinated and uncoordinated responses of these institutions and existing international transboundary cooperation framework to achieve the objectives of reducing risks and vulnerabilities.