No abstract

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

Nepal is a small landlocked country with complex topography and fragile geology which coupled with its lower-middle income economy, natural resources dependent population, and weak institutional capacity, all combine to rank it as the 4th most climate-vulnerable country in the world (http://maplecroft.com). A climate risk assessment carried out specifically for the Strategic Program for Climate Resilience (SPCR) at the sector, district and community levels identified the following critical risks: i) water quantity and quality, ii) food security, iii) ecosystem health, iv) animal and human health, v) vulnerable groups, and vi) economic growth and sustainability. Realizing this potential, the Government of Nepal (GoN) with support from the World Bank (WB) launched the Building Resilience to Climate-related Hazards (BRCH) Project in June 2013 with the aim to minimize overall climate risks in Nepal under the global initiatives of Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR). It is designed to demonstrate ways that developing countries can make climate risk and resilience part of their core development planning. The results-based monitoring adopted by the BRCH project is a legendary good practice in Nepal, an effective measure towards addressing climate hazards – the ultimate goal of the project and it could be instrumental for the South Asia as well.

Geology, the science of earth – rocks, minerals, soils, and water within atmosphere and lithosphere encompasses a number of geological phenomena evolved over the geological time.