Preface

It is my great honor to present this report on “Nepal Hazard and Risk Assessment”. This report received overwhelming support from the Government of Nepal in close collaboration with a number of national focal, technical and scientific agencies related to disaster risk reduction. The presented methodology was developed after rigorous discussion and consultation with all leading national government and non-governmental agencies. The project is financially supported by the Global Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction and the World Bank.

The project highlights the regional experience intrinsic to the work of ADPC, NGI and CECI in disaster risk assessment and mapping in the region. The project objectives included the development of a synthesis report on Nepal's major hazard risks through the completion of a desk review of existing reports, studies, analyses and assessments regarding vulnerability and hazards carried out at the national and sub-national levels; an overview presentation of the vulnerability assessment for Nepal; the development of a detailed economic analysis using the loss probability modeling of Nepal’s risks in conjunction with projected economic losses from forecasted hazards; and the mapping of high risk geographic regions.

Upon fulfilling the objectives of the project, the project team produced a two-part report. Part one covers an overview of the project, a description of the baseline data, and hazard assessment and mapping for earthquakes, floods, droughts, landslides and epidemics/disease hazards all at the national level. Thus, part one results in the development of a multi-hazard risk map for Nepal. Part two of the report discusses the methodology for exposure, vulnerability and risk assessment for various hazards. In addition, part two provides an analysis of the risk assessments as well as necessary interventions for disaster risk reduction.

The project has further developed modeling for the economic effects of disaster risk in Nepal. Macro aspects of economic impacts are discussed in detail. This has led to an analysis of the country’s economic capacity to deal with impending disasters. Finally, the project provides recommendations for disaster risk reduction based on the completed pragmatic and scientific analysis. The recommendations are segmented into eight sections namely policy; institutional mandates and institutional development; hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment; multi-hazard early warning systems; preparedness and response plans; the integration of DRR into development planning; community-based DRM; and public awareness, education and training.

I hope that this report will prove to be useful to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of Nepal, the National Planning Commission, the Department of Water Induced Disaster Prevention, the Department of Health Services, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the Department of Mines and Geology, the Department of Agriculture among others through its provision of sectorally-based disaster management planning. The report is formatted in a user-friendly manner such that all disciplines are able apply the information and recommendations provided in the report for the safe and sustainable development of each respective sector. The ultimate goal is for the two volumes within the report to serve as a practical guide for disaster managers, as well as enable them to use the information provided effectively for the benefits of the millions of people living in disaster prone areas of Nepal.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Government of Nepal, the World Bank, national stakeholders involved and project partners for partnership, consultation, support and advices.

Dr. Bhichit Rattakul
Executive Director, ADPC, Bangkok