Summary:
With the monsoon season approaching in Nepal, communities are preparing to face associated risks like floods and landslides, which mostly affect vulnerable populations in flood-prone plains and areas with poor infrastructure. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasts above-normal rainfall for the 2025 monsoon, especially in Lumbini, Karnali, and Gandaki provinces, with a higher chance of extreme rainfall events.
Key Points:
- Monsoon Preparedness Response Plan (MPRP) 2025: The Nepal government has prepared the MPRP to focus on early action to minimize disaster impacts. Around 40% of disasters occur during the monsoon, which accounts for 80% of Nepal’s annual rainfall.
- Community-Based Early Warning Systems (EWS): Civil society organizations (CSOs) have been developing flood resilience through tools like SMS alerts, IVR calls, sirens, door-to-door campaigns, and simulation drills to train local disaster committees.
- Importance of Local Volunteers: Training and maintaining records of trained volunteers is critical for effective rescue and management during disasters.
- Inclusive Planning: Preparedness plans emphasize including marginalized groups such as women and the elderly, who face higher risks in disasters.
- Local Disaster Climate Resilience Framework (LDCRF): Several organizations are supporting local governments to map risks, prepare evacuation plans, and assign clear roles for disaster response.
- Call for Coordination and Investment: Strengthening monsoon preparedness requires coordinated efforts from local governments, CSOs, private sectors, and sustained investment for community-led risk-informed strategies.
The article stresses that being prepared at the household, community, and government levels can reduce risks to life, property, and livelihoods. It urges shifting from a reactive response approach to proactive preparedness with early warning and local involvement to transform monsoon from a season of terror into one of safety and resilience.
Archive: https://archive.md/9rF0X