Needs Assessment on Disaster Risk Management in Four Municipalities of Kailali District, Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal

The assessment report highlights some promising areas such as an improving early warning system, and to some extent, presence of local emergency operation centres in Tikapur and Bhajani municipalities of Kailali district in Sudurpashchim Province. Despite the ongoing investments, it also notes that unplanned settlements, population growth, weak public service provision and infrastructure, inadequate regulatory standards, and low awareness of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) functions, rights and entitlements among community members, officials and stakeholders have cumulatively increased the vulnerable groups’ exposure to disaster risks. Further, the understanding of DRRM and capacity to uphold the duties and functions of the local government is weak compared to the legal mandate. Continued investment to strengthen the capacity of local institutions for risk-informed and anticipatory approaches is required to further improve disaster preparedness and response at the local level.

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