Strategies for disaster management and the role of effective governance in Nepal

This paper examines the crucial interplay between governance and disaster management in Nepal, a nation frequently assailed by natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods. Despite substantial progress in disaster risk reduction (DRR) frameworks, particularly following the devastati...

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Main Authors: Jaya Narayan Acharya, Werapong Koedsin, Kuaanan Techato
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Polish Academy of Sciences 2025-02-01
Series:Journal of Water and Land Development
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.pan.pl/Content/134216/2025-01-JWLD-14.pdf
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author Jaya Narayan Acharya
Werapong Koedsin
Kuaanan Techato
author_facet Jaya Narayan Acharya
Werapong Koedsin
Kuaanan Techato
author_sort Jaya Narayan Acharya
collection DOAJ
description This paper examines the crucial interplay between governance and disaster management in Nepal, a nation frequently assailed by natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods. Despite substantial progress in disaster risk reduction (DRR) frameworks, particularly following the devastating 2015 earthquake, challenges persist, primarily due to governance issues. Through a mixed-methods approach involving structured questionnaires and indepth interviews with government officials, local leaders, and non-governmental organisation (NGO) representatives, this study explores the effectiveness of disaster management strategies underpinned by governance practices. The research uncovers significant operational, institutional, and environmental challenges that hinder effective disaster management. Key findings indicate bureaucratic delays, poor coordination, and inadequate resource allocation as major impediments, while community engagement and the integration of local knowledge emerge as critical success factors. Furthermore, the study highlights the adverse effects of governance traps, such as political interference and lack of transparency, which exacerbate the vulnerability of disaster-stricken communities. The paper argues for the necessity of robust governance structures that are transparent, accountable, and inclusive, to enhance disaster resilience and response in Nepal. Recommendations are made for strengthening local capacities, improving inter-agency coordination, and leveraging technology to predict and manage disasters more effectively. By addressing these governance-related issues, Nepal can enhance its disaster preparedness and ensure a more resilient future for its population.
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spelling doaj-art-36841e677cb34d76b9f84419e0e23f952025-08-20T03:44:24ZengPolish Academy of SciencesJournal of Water and Land Development2083-45352025-02-01No 64https://doi.org/10.24425/jwld.2025.153525Strategies for disaster management and the role of effective governance in NepalJaya Narayan Acharya0https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0357-572XWerapong Koedsin1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4411-9148Kuaanan Techato2https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9178-8416Prince of Songkla University, Faculty of Environmental Management, Sustainable Energy Management, Karnchanavanich Rd, 90110, Hat Yai, ThailandPrince of Songkla University, Faculty of Environmental Management, Sustainable Energy Management, Karnchanavanich Rd, 90110, Hat Yai, ThailandPrince of Songkla University, Faculty of Environmental Management, Sustainable Energy Management, Karnchanavanich Rd, 90110, Hat Yai, ThailandThis paper examines the crucial interplay between governance and disaster management in Nepal, a nation frequently assailed by natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods. Despite substantial progress in disaster risk reduction (DRR) frameworks, particularly following the devastating 2015 earthquake, challenges persist, primarily due to governance issues. Through a mixed-methods approach involving structured questionnaires and indepth interviews with government officials, local leaders, and non-governmental organisation (NGO) representatives, this study explores the effectiveness of disaster management strategies underpinned by governance practices. The research uncovers significant operational, institutional, and environmental challenges that hinder effective disaster management. Key findings indicate bureaucratic delays, poor coordination, and inadequate resource allocation as major impediments, while community engagement and the integration of local knowledge emerge as critical success factors. Furthermore, the study highlights the adverse effects of governance traps, such as political interference and lack of transparency, which exacerbate the vulnerability of disaster-stricken communities. The paper argues for the necessity of robust governance structures that are transparent, accountable, and inclusive, to enhance disaster resilience and response in Nepal. Recommendations are made for strengthening local capacities, improving inter-agency coordination, and leveraging technology to predict and manage disasters more effectively. By addressing these governance-related issues, Nepal can enhance its disaster preparedness and ensure a more resilient future for its population.https://journals.pan.pl/Content/134216/2025-01-JWLD-14.pdfdisastersgovernancemanagementnepalresiliencerisk
spellingShingle Jaya Narayan Acharya
Werapong Koedsin
Kuaanan Techato
Strategies for disaster management and the role of effective governance in Nepal
Journal of Water and Land Development
disasters
governance
management
nepal
resilience
risk
title Strategies for disaster management and the role of effective governance in Nepal
title_full Strategies for disaster management and the role of effective governance in Nepal
title_fullStr Strategies for disaster management and the role of effective governance in Nepal
title_full_unstemmed Strategies for disaster management and the role of effective governance in Nepal
title_short Strategies for disaster management and the role of effective governance in Nepal
title_sort strategies for disaster management and the role of effective governance in nepal
topic disasters
governance
management
nepal
resilience
risk
url https://journals.pan.pl/Content/134216/2025-01-JWLD-14.pdf
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AT werapongkoedsin strategiesfordisastermanagementandtheroleofeffectivegovernanceinnepal
AT kuaanantechato strategiesfordisastermanagementandtheroleofeffectivegovernanceinnepal