INF Nepal hosted a two-day Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Localisation and Coordination in Emergency Workshop from 25–26 January 2023. The workshop concluded with a draft of the DRR Plan.
The workshop was a residential event aimed at boosting disaster management abilities among organisations involved in disaster management in Gandaki Province.
Hari Bandhu Aryal, Coordinator of DRR & CCA at INF Nepal, characterised the workshop as a gathering at the provincial level that facilitated the exchange of knowledge and experiences on disaster preparedness among organisations from Gandaki Province.
The workshop was a first-of-its-kind event as it offered organisations working in disaster management the platform for advocacy, coordination, networking, and capacity building,” Hari Bandhu shares.
The workshop discussed the importance of timely coordination and networking on the complete spectrum of disaster management activities, from immediate response to recovery.
Krishna Adhikari, the Executive Director of INF Nepal, recounted INF’s response to the recent earthquake of 24 January in Bajura, detailing actions such as activating DRR procedures promptly, utilising local resources, and communicating with relevant stakeholders to keep them informed. He expressed optimism that workshops of this nature would foster collaboration among organisations, including government agencies at the district and provincial levels, leading to a more efficient and harmonious response in times of crisis.
Prakash Dhungana, the DRR Focal Person of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Gandaki Province and one of the facilitators at the workshop, pledged to bring the initiative of the Disaster Preparedness Network (DP-Net) and the workshop’s insights to the attention of the provincial government.
Rajendra Prasad Poudel, a Member of the Central Executive Committee of the NGO Federation of Nepal, said, “There is no response without networking. We are thankful to INF for organising this workshop”. He also stressed incorporating the element of Climate Change in disaster response and preparedness works.
Suman Bayalkoti, a DRR focal person from Asal Chhimeki Nepal, shares, “The workshop was effective in sharing and planning for the upcoming event. Experienced experts were involved in the workshop, allowing us to share experiences and learn more about current DRR procedure.”
The workshop was facilitated by Prakash Dhungana (Ministry of Internal Affairs Gandaki Province), Harshman Maharjan and Raju Thapa from DP-Net Kathmandu, Pranav Dahal (NSET Kathmandu) and Hari Bandhu Aryal (INF Nepal).
Participants included representatives from the following organisations:
- SAGOL, Kaski
- Society for Social Services, Tanahun
- Anda Andi Community Development Centre, Syangja
- Sangam, Myagdi
- ENPRED Nepal, Parbat,
- Himalayan Initiatives for Sustainable and Resilient Society, Mustang
- NGO Federation Kaski,
- NRCS Gandaki
- NGO Federation Gandaki
- Aama Milan Centre, Pokhara
- INSEC, Gandaki
Update (2nd February 2023):
These events, the 16 January simulation/drill and the 25-26 January province-level action planning workshop, were acknowledged by the government of Nepal and included in the National Programme Activities as a part of the 25th Earthquake Safety Day celebration programme.