A recent report by the Centre for Investigative Journalism-Nepal (CIJ-Nepal) reveals that Nepal's disaster preparedness and response mechanisms remain alarmingly inadequate, a decade after the devastating 2015 earthquakes. The report highlights persistent failures in areas like search and rescue, relief distribution, and reconstruction efforts following various disasters, painting a picture of systemic shortcomings within government agencies. The CIJ-Nepal findings, based on extensive investigations and interviews, were published on various news platforms this week.
The decade-long investigation by CIJ-Nepal focused on the implementation of disaster management policies, the effectiveness of governmental structures at both the central and local levels, and the application of lessons learned from past disasters. The report details a continuing lack of coordination between different government departments, insufficient training for first responders, and corruption in the allocation of relief funds. It cited the recent floods as a case study – this demonstrates a continued pattern of delayed response with inadequate resources often reaching affected populations long after the critical rescue window had closed, according to the report.
Key findings from the CIJ-Nepal report highlight the failure to fully implement the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2017. The report notes failures in setting up, or properly equipping disaster management committees at local levels. Furthermore, the report indicates that bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to cripple the efficiency of relief operations, with essential supplies often stuck in warehouses, delayed by paperwork. The report also identified a culture of impunity when government officials were found to be misappropriating disaster relief funds.
The report includes specific examples from recent disasters, showing that problems in areas such as early warning systems, particularly in areas prone to flash floods, and rescue operations, have persisted despite commitments to improve them. A major issue identified was a lack of adequate infrastructure, particularly in remote areas, which often hampered the timely delivery of aid and hampered rescue-efforts.
The failure to heed the lessons of past disasters underscores the need for a fundamental overhaul of Nepal's disaster management system. The CIJ-Nepal report urges the government to prioritize the creation of well-equipped and trained local disaster management committees, improve coordination between different government agencies, address corruption, and invest in sustainable infrastructure.
For the Nepali diaspora community, these findings are particularly pertinent. Many diaspora members provide financial support and run charitable organisations involved in disaster relief and reconstruction. Understanding the systemic issues is vital to ensure that aid is used effectively and does not fall victim to misappropriation or bureaucratic bottlenecks. Diaspora engagement is crucial to pushing the Nepali government to improve accountability, ensure transparency, and create a disaster-ready nation.
