Disasters In Nepal Research Articles

Thanatology Tourism in Nepal Himalayan Region: A Case of Langtang

On 25th April 2015 at 11:56 am local time, a devastating earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale shook Nepal. It is considered as one of the most fatal disasters in Nepal, ensuing aft restocks; avalanches and landslides triggered in the aftermath killed over 9,000 people. The most damage occurred when the earthquake triggered a destructive avalanche composed of ice, snow and soil, burying the entire Langtang village- a huge settlement of the popular adventure tourism destination of Nepal and killing at least 253 people. This study envisions to explore the scopes of special-interest dark (thanatology) tourism in the post-disaster scene, and it is used as a vehicle for self-reflection and education. This paper also explores the tourism prototype for an adventure tourism destination that has been severely impacted by a disaster. The paper adapts sociological theory, experience, and participant observation to complete a vanity ethnographic study of a “post-disaster tour” in the Langtang area. The tools and techniques of data collection derived from qualitative methodological approaches such as case study, semi-structured interviews, informal interviews, participant observation, content analysis, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and house to house visit. The findings show how the adventure tourism hosts bounced back and depicted resiliency through unified reconstruction. Langtang’s post-disaster touristic setting instigates a unique paradigm in the tourism sector that can go parallel with the adventure tourism engagements. Th e model is represented through the amalgamation of dark tourism (Dark) and adventure tourism (Adventure), which forms a phenomenon that is named “darventure” (Kunwar, 2019) tourism. The‘ darventure’ tourism features the elements of both thanatology and frontier thrills at the same place. Dark tourist and adventure tourist experiences can coexist in Langtang, it creates a unique tourism prototype that complements both practices and can be offered as ‘darventure’ tourism.

Life on Chure and Siwalik Under the Extreme Threat of Lightning

Of all the natural disasters in Nepal, lightning is the second highest killer after earthquake. According to the data available from the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) portal of Ministry of Home Affairs (MoFA), an average of 108 people are killed by lightning each year. As would be expected, fatalities over the high mountains are rare due to both low population and low lightning flash density. Surprisingly, most fatalities and injuries are reported over the hilly areas of the Siwalik and Chure range in the middle of Nepal, despite the southern region having both a significantly higher population and higher lightning flash density. The higher fatalities over the Chure and Siwalik can be attributed to their elevation leading to a smaller distance to the charge center in the cloud and meteorological conditions that may arise for the development of a turbulence in the lee waves at the interface of southern plains and middle hills.

The influence of the physical environment on self-recovery after disasters in Nepal and the Philippines

Following a disaster, the majority of families rebuild their homes themselves. In this paper, we consider how the physical environment influences such ‘self-recovery’ by investigating disasters in the Philippines (typhoons Haiyan in 2013 and Haima in 2016) and Nepal (the Gorkha earthquake - 2015). Despite the many differences in the disaster contexts, there are some common barriers to self-recovery (and building back better) in a substantially changed and dynamic multi-hazard, post-disaster environment. These are related to changes in water supply (shortage or surplus), impacts of post-disaster geohazard events on infrastructure (particularly affecting transport) and the availability of technical advice. People face a broad spectrum of challenges as they recover and tackling these ‘geo-barriers’ may help to create a more enabling environment for self-recovery. The findings point to what needs to be in place to support self-recovery in dynamic physical environments, including geoscience information and advice, and restoration of infrastructure damaged by natural hazard events. Further research is necessary to understand the issues this raises for the shelter and geoscience communities, particularly around availability of geoscience expertise, capacity and information at a local scale.

A Study on Potential Leadership Approaches to Address Gender-Based Constraints Effective Preparedness for Disasters in Nepal

Introduction: Nepal is known for its cultural diversity and ethnicity. Despite its unique characteristics, Nepalese society has marked visible social and gender divisions that constrain the overall growth of the nation. Low decision-making power, poor control over assets, long working hours, inadequate membership to community institutions, poor access to credit services, and lack of access to appropriate information are some key indicators. However, it was also worth mentioning that places where there is effective leadership to address the gender-based constraints, the outcomes are more promising in attaining growth, dignity, self-confidence, and respect, answering to some of the common constraints. Methods: This research relies on literature review, expert interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), simulations, and Key Informant Interviews. The expert interviews were conducted in-person to get detailed information on some of the organization-based interventions. Results: The study showed that since the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, the workload pressure has increased especially for women. It also increased the exposure to some of the common risks such as gender-based violence, women & child trafficking, abuses, stress, family tension, health care issues, fear, and other challenges. However, leaderships shown by organizations, communities, and individuals have positive impact on reducing gender-based violence. Also, reduction of other constraints such as long walking to fetch water, long working hours, restricted movements, decision making for self-improvement, lack of recognition, and seeking permission to attend social events has been addressed by community level and individual leaderships. The places where such constraints of the women have been addressed, their engagement in disaster preparedness activities are more promising. Conclusion: The research study concluded that there is potential leadership among women groups, family members, and community-based organizations to ensure the reduction of gender-based constraints, and it is helping women for productive engagement.

COVID-19 Pandemic: What can Nepal do to Curb the Potential Public Health Disaster?

COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become the pandemic. Since its first report in late December from Wuhan, China, it has spread in 211 countries and has infected more than a million population claiming more than 81,000 lives until 7th April 2020. Although heterogeneous between countries, the recent trend shows that almost 10% of the infected persons are at the risk of death. The case-fatality has been reported to be at 2.3% in China, 7.2% in Italy, 1.73% in South Korea. One of the dreadful characteristics of the COVID-19 is that it is highly efficient at transmission from human to human. SARS-CoV-2 transmits from one human to another through respiratory droplets and close physical contact. Droplet transmission may also occur through fomites in the immediate environment around the infected person. Although there have been multiple studies and trials, no effective vaccines or anti-viral treatments have been effective to prevent or treat SARS-CoV-2 infection and can take another 12-18 months for the evidence to be generated. In this context, the only remained options would be to explore the epidemiological trend and learn from countries who have controlled the infection successfully. The early detection of cases and community containment have been some of the successful strategies. South Korea was able to lower the COVID-19 cases by an extensive and concerted community testing. The traditional strategies of isolation, quarantine, social distancing and community containment helped China to hold its level of infection after the second half of March 2020. With the increasing number of cases, Italy, the United State and the United Kingdom have increased their testing facilities. Germany, for instance, started mass testing and community surveillance quite early on (proactive community testing) reflected on its low fatality rate.
 In Nepal by 5 April 2020, only 1,521 tests have been performed only among the suspected cases (a reactive testing method) who attend the hospital and so far 9 has been confirmed cases. Though the case was identified in January, the country-wide lockdown came into effect only on 24 March 2020. Based on the report provided by the Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal is trying its best to increase the number of isolation and quarantine facilities along with the provision of essential PPE. Nepal is at stage II (evidence of local transmission as opposed to imported cases only) of a pandemic but it is difficult to say how the disease is circulating in our population due to poor testing coverage and no proactive community testing. Current public health measures that are cost-effective, although not ideal would be to stringently follow social distancing. Social distance alone would be futile unless, other measures are in place that includes proactive community testing, providing essential medical equipment such as personal protective equipment (PPE), isolation and quarantine spaces, medical logistics such as infection control gears, and ICU facilities with adequate ventilators. While social distancing is the best measure, for now, community outreach for proactive testing with mobilization of community health workers and the use of technologies to inform the preventive measures and to dispel the fears, and rumors can be promising. Including the general public, health workers and policymakers require a strong collaborative platform to work together to consolidate the measures ahead to prevent the COVID-19 disaster in Nepal.

Government Preparedness and Response for 2020 Pandemic Disaster in Nepal: A Case Study of COVID-19

The outbreak of Nobel Corona Virus (COVID-19) from Wuhan has isolated millions of population from regular activities. The spread is so much viral that it is almost impossible to stop. It is important to understand the role of Government, Business Houses and Development Partners in understanding the effectiveness in immediate preparedness and response of the situation. The main purpose of this study is to explore and understand the overall management of situation based in experience of Italy, China, USA and South Korea after the outbreak of Corona Virus. The overall aim of the study is to draw the clinical expertise, field experience to identify the needs and gaps and make recommendation for effective preparedness and response. China is already experienced in controlling such pandemic situation from the time of outbreak of SARS in 2002-2003. This time it is not that much difficult for government to set up large scale surveillance system in identifying and following up the suspected and infected people. Although South Korea didn’t follow lock-down method, it made quick preventive and curative method. Identification of this viral disease is made within an hour by using telephone booth and public place in each nook and corner of the country. However, Italy and US didn’t make preparation once COVID-19 outbreak was there in China and still rejects country lock-down method. Since the country has been facing the situation of lock-down and all the respondents have become bound to their home depending on the information sources basically social network and online news and in little extent print and digital media. Their responses reflect the availability of figures accessible to them and it certainly has the impact over the result thus obtained. A huge gap in response obtained due to the fluctuations in knowledge has been evident for a set of questionnaire. Government of Nepal made specialized hospitals in capital and various provinces of the country, which helps to check viral effect in time. As economic activities are zero, the facilities and relief packages are necessary to grant to all sectors of the country to revitalize the economy. In case of the number of cases are increased, it is alarmingly difficult to control. With the decision of country lock-down, it has both positive and negative impact. But this policy cannot sustain for longer period of time and is on short term measures.

An Assessment of Disaster Loss and Damage in Nepal

A disaster is a natural or manmade hazard resulting in an event of substantial extent causing significant physical damage or destruction, loss of life or drastic change to the environment. Due to diverse geographical coverage, Nepal is prone to various geological and hydro-meteorological hazards. This paper tries to show the types of disaster, losses and damages induced by disaster and analyze the trend and geographical distribution of disaster in Nepal. This study is based on the secondary data sources. Disaste r events data were collected from NSET and other government research papers, library etc. 26,665 events were reported during a 45 year and 43,868 people were died, 2,828 people were missing by disaster. Fire, flood landslide, accident and thunderstorms are major disasters in terms of occurrences and Earthquake, flood, and landslide are the major disasters in terms of damages and losses. The trend of disaster events is gradually increasing from the 1971 to 2000 but after 2000 the trend of disaster is drastically increasing to 2016. Annually 593 disaster events have occurred in Nepal. The data of impacts caused by the disasters also reveal that the estimated annual economic loss is increasing with the increasing frequency of disasters. The number of natural disasters as well as the number of corresponding casualties, injured and affected people, and economic loss is steadily on the rise. Tarai and Hilly districts are highly vulnerable than Mountain districts and Hill and Tarai region are most affected than Mountain region due different disaster in Nepal. The Tarai and some central hill districts are most vulnerable in terms of disasters occurrences. Among the seven provinces, province no 3 recorded the highest number of human deaths and disasters occurrences.

Flood Risk Mapping and Analysis Using Hydrodynamic Model HEC-RAS: A Case Study of Daraudi River, Chhepatar, Gorkha, Nepal

Nepal has been ranked as one of the most multiple hazard prone countries in the world. Studies claim flood as the most common and third most deadly disaster in Nepal. It causes loss of life, casualties, financial loss and displacement. Heavy monsoon, fragile geography, constructions along the embankments and mining in the upstream riverbeds cause the river to flood. Daraudi River, one of the seven tributaries of Gandaki River, experience flood every year. Despite regular flooding, no studies have been carried out in the river zone. Hence, this study is carried out in the Chhepetar flood plain of Daraudi River basin. This article is based on a study that used HEC-RAS, HEC-GeoRAS and ArcGIS for preparation of 1D flood plain maps and WECS/DHM method to analyze the flood frequency in different return periods. The flooding in the river is found to be correlated with maximum rainfall in a year and occurs particularly between June and September every year – the period of Monsoon season in Nepal. A direct relationship between the inundation area and the flood discharge of various return periods has been identified. Plantation, bioengineering technique, dry wall construction on the river bank and different non-structural approaches of flood management have been suggested by the study for eco-restoration.

Towards effective and sustainable disaster risk management in Nepal: challenges and gaps

Geo-hazards, dynamic Himalayan tectonics, high seismicity, predominant soft rock (argillaceous) formations, steep slopes, rugged (high elevation difference) terrain, when mistreated would trigger-disasters. These natural factors exacerbated by unplanned developments together with impacts of global climate change have further scaled-up disasters in Nepal. Common natural disasters in Nepal impacting the livelihoods of the people below poverty are: earthquakes, floods and landslides. The return period of former is longer (+/- 70 years)but catastrophic, e.g. Gorkha-earthquake, while latter ones are recurrent and chaotic.
 Substantial efforts have been made on disaster risk reductions (DRR) both by the state and non-state organizations. Contributions from sectoral ministries led by the Ministry of Home Affairs are primarily focused to legal provisions, strategies and policies while the departments are mandated to implement sectoral activities through projects and programs. Post Gorkha-earthquake rescue and relief operations demonstrated an exemplary solidarity among national, bilateral and international organizations. Reconstruction works are rather slow and still being continued. Despite substantial DRR efforts, outcomes are not satisfactory to the desired extent, whether it is earthquake or are floods and landslides across the country as per media and public voices reported.
 This paper aims to analyse some key questions towards effective and sustainable disaster risk management in Nepal against existing challenges and gaps in the backdrop of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030. A theory of change that would help improve effectiveness and sustainability of disaster risk management (DRM) in Nepal is envisioned and discussed

Understanding the dissemination and adoption of innovations through social network analysis: geospatial solutions for disaster management in Nepal and Kenya

Vulnerable areas of the world, including many developing countries, are increasingly exposed to natural disasters. New technologies, such as geospatial technologies, could help them manage the risks of extreme events and cope with disaster aftershock. However, new technologies are often disseminated slowly among the relevant stakeholders. Assuming that knowledge exchange through stakeholder networks can effectively enhance the uptake of innovation, this research applied a social network approach focussing on the structural patterns of communication and collaboration networks regarding landslide-related disasters in Nepal and floods in Kenya. Using methods of formal social network analysis, we reveal centrally positioned stakeholders and discuss their actual and potential roles in outscaling innovations between the different sectors and upscaling them to different levels within the disaster management communities under study. In doing so, this case study demonstrates the potential of social network analysis for improving the dissemination of innovations for disaster risk management.

The Economics of Disaster Risk Management in Nepal

Nepal is highly vulnerable to many disasters and substantially increasing every year. It has been creating an adverse impact on human lives, livelihoods, and infrastructures. The primary objective of this study is to state the human causalities and economic loss from disasters in Nepal and suggest institutional and system reforms for effective disaster risk management in the country. This is an analytical study based on secondary data. Data published from various government and non-government organizations are used to analyse the situation. Although the findings of the study reveal that the Government of Nepal has been continuously carrying out many efforts for fighting against various levels of disasters in the country, it concludes that additional efforts are needed from the federal to the local level at all phases of disaster management including preparedness, response, and recovery. It is also important to integrate disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation policies, plans and programmes into national development.

Mental health initiative after the 2015 disaster in Nepal

Mental health initiative after the 2015 disaster in Nepal

Does Remittance Receiving Households Prepared against Natural Disasters in Nepal?

The study examines the perception of remittance receiving families to consume its portion of income on building capacity and preparedness against any natural disasters in Nepal. Moreover, there is growing evidence that remittance income is consumed to improve livelihood, especially on household expenses, education, treatment and the construction of the new house or repairing existing one. The objective of this study is to analyze to what extent the poor people whose earning incomes, including remittance, prepare them to cope with the upcoming natural disasters to minimize the loss afterward. The sites were purposefully selected in different districts in Nepal to observe the way of preparedness and have vulnerable to natural disaster. The snowball sampling method was chosen to interview with open and closed questionnaires only to remittance receiving families. Similarly, the observation method was used to assess the quality and type of houses they belong. The qualitative data were processed using SPSS 20 with statistical tools as frequencies and verified with one way ANOVA test. The result showed that the remittance receiving families improved their livelihood (improving their living standard with more expenses in home, health, and education, construction, savings) It was observed that the remittance receiving families consumed income in new construction of houses and repairing to make their houses strong without consulting the technical expert or use of building codes, that rising doubt to withstand the worse impact of natural disasters mainly earthquake, flood and landslide. This study concludes that the remittance receiving household, though have better livelihood, yet they are not better prepared against the ruthless impact of any natural disasters.

Impact of Flood on Performance of Students The Case of Secondary School Students in Jaleshwor Municipality, Mahottari

School buildings are vulnerable towards natural disaster in Nepal and many of them are poorly constructed, old and situated on the marginal lands. The school buildings and communities are always flooded with water during rainy season, which threaten the academic performance of the students. The study aimed to assess the perception of school students on the potential effects of floods on the school infrastructures, the students’ residents, community infrastructures and overall impacts on their academic performance. The mixed method was used to collect the data and analyzed with the use of simple statistical tools. The well-structured questionnaires were distributed to 100 students of three schools in Jaleshwor municipality in Mahottari district of Nepal. The result of this research showed that flood impacts directly to the performance of the students mainly of secondary level. They were in fear of any upcoming disastrous events like the collapse of infrastructures in school as well as their residence. The study revealed high levels of vulnerability to the impact of floods, reduce the quality of education that disrupt the access of the rights of the education to the students. The research identified that during the flood disaster, the public properties as well as private properties are suffering more. The study recommends familiarizing and giving disaster education to the school students so that they adopt the effects of natural disaster. Operation of the education in good infrastructures ensures the quality education and makes the better performance of the students in overall.

Outbreak Investigation Following the 2015 Earthquake Disaster in Nepal

Infectious disease outbreaks following natural disasters are reported in literature. Outbreaks were documented following natural disasters in many countries including Haiti. Such possibility following 2015 Nepal earthquake was a public health concern. Risk factors needed evaluation by post-disaster outbreak investigation. Hence, present study was undertaken to investigate potentials for such outbreak and to generate evidence for public health intervention. The study was conducted between April - May, 2015, with the cooperation of National Public Health Laboratory, Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Nepal Health Research Council and the Chinese team. Rapid Response Teams visited earthquake affected districts and collected samples for analysis. Syndromic surveillance approach was followed. Samples were collected from syndromic patients under supervision. Those sick prior to earthquake or receiving treatment were excluded. Blood, stool and throat swab samples, as indicated, were collected. Drinking water and food samples including captured live mosquitoes from inhabited areas were obtained for study with the help of EDCD. Laboratory analysis was performed at the NPHL. Total samples were 360 (114 biological, 246 environmental). Salmonella spp. was detected in two and Varicella zoster in one blood sample. Influenza B virus was detected in one throat swab. Rota virus was detected in two, Shigella dysenteriae in one and Salmonella spp. in one stool sample. No pathogen detected in water or food samples. Mosquitoes tested negative for dengue virus. Post-earthquake outbreak investigated in disaster phase-2. Diarrheal, enteric fever pathogens and Influenza B virus were detected. Environmental samples tested negative for pathogens. Vigilance is necessary for other risk factors.

Outbreak Investigation Following the 2015 Earthquake Disaster in Nepal

Outbreak Investigation Following the 2015 Earthquake Disaster in Nepal

Earthquake damage of self-built reinforced concrete frame structures in MS 8.1 Nepal Earthquake

An earthquake measured Ms 8.1 occurred near the Nepal Pokhara on April 25, 2015(Beijing time). As a member of China to Nepal disaster assessment team, the author conducted thorough investigation about the earthquake damage of all kinds of engineering structure in Nepal. Self-built reinforced concrete frame structure which is widely accepted by the people at all levels in Nepal and is one of the building structure forms which are widely built suffered damage by varying degrees in the strong earthquake and aftershocks. Based on the seismic damage investigation date of the earthquake and its aftershocks, the characteristics of aseismic construction are summed up, the damage characteristics and the reasons of its destruction are analyzed. The main problems in the design and construction of the structure are pointed out. The advices on the existing problem of self-built reinforced concrete frame structures are given.

Landslide Hazard Mapping Using GIS : A Case of Pelakot VDC, Syangja

Landslides are one of the major natural disasters in Nepal and responsible for loss of property and lives. Landslide hazard mapping is an important tool for disaster management. The landslide hazard maps provide information about landslide vulnerability condition of certain region, which is beneficial for the community in planning, mitigating, and avoiding the danger. Various methods of hazard assessment have been proposed and demonstrated in Nepal. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for landslide hazard mapping has been increasing constantly in recent years in Nepal. In this study, GIS technology was applied to investigate zonation of the landslide hazards of the Pelakot VDC, Syagnja, Nepal. The Village Development Committee (VDC) is one of the susceptible areas to landslides in Syangja. In this particular area, several landslides were occurred. The method of landslide zonation used in this study was weighted overlay method. The causative factors include slope, landuse, geology, distance to drainage, distance to fault. The study of the area has been classified into five categories of relative landslide hazard namely, very low, low, moderate, and high. As a result, it can be concluded that 7% of this particular area has a high landslide hazard.

Necessity of Disaster Mapping Unit in Survey Department: The Context of 2015 Gorkha Earthquake and Disaster in Nepal

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Flood Events in Gangapur Village, Banke District: An Example of Climate Change-induced Disaster in Nepal

Climate change impacts in Nepal have resulted, among others, localized downpour which may trigger severe flooding and associated disasters in some parts of the country, particularly in the southern slope of the Siwalik. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the consequences of climate change impacts in the Dhondra River watershed that covers southern slope of the Siwalik and northern part of the Terai plane in Banke district, western Nepal. For the purpose, a field investigation was carried out and it indicated that Ward Nos. 5 and 6 of Gangapur Village Development Committee (VDC) were inundated in 2000 due to the blockade of the Singhya River by the deposition of flood-driven sediments brought by the Dhondra River. Consequently, about 305 families were completely displaced due to the inundation in and around their home and farmlands. The flood was resulted due to a localized torrential rainfall in Dhondra River's upper reaches in the Siwalik area. Following the year 2000, the Dhondra River started depositing sandy sediments in and around the confluence point with the Singhya River during each monsoon seasons. This paper briefly summarizes the causes of the disaster and its consequences to the displaced people, and surrounding geo-environment.Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2014, 19(1): 79-85