Parliamentarians voice for making disaster response effective
Lawmakers at the House of Representatives have drawn the attention of the government for effective disaster response as the entire country has been affected by floods and landslides for the past few days.
KOHALPUR, Dec 3: Emphasis has been given on the implementation of minimum humanitarian standards in disaster response efforts. Participants of a training programme on humanitarian standards organized here by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Center (NDRC) were of the view that it was essential to enhance the knowledge, skills and efficiency of government, non-government and private organisations working in the humanitarian service sector.
The programme was supported by the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP). Inaugurating the programme, APP national representative Man Thapa talked about global endevours in regard with minimum standards required in disaster relief and rescue operations and works that Nepal was expected to launch in the related field. He said, “As Nepal is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, the basic humanitarian aspects of the affected community should be assimilated.”
A total of 35 representatives from Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudur Paschim Provinces attended the three-day event which discussed about theoretical and applied knowledge about disaster, related guidelines and standards issued by government bodies, and practices implemented by several countries. Disaster expert Sunil Shakya facilitated the session on the minimum humanitarian standards and the 'Sphere standards'.
It may be noted that the Sphere Project known as the Sphere aims to enhance the quality of assistance provided to people affected by disasters, and to enhance the accountability of the humanitarian system in disaster response human rescue efforts. It was launched in 1997. NDRC programme director Suresh Thapa and programme officer Krishna Ghimire were the facilitators of the programme while Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) Chief Reporter Krishna Adhikari briefed the gathering about the implementation of minimum human standards during the rescue and relief efforts following the Melamchi flood in June
DAMAULI, July 27: Tanahu chapter of Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has published a book on disaster response plan. The book was prepared by the disaster management committee chaired by Chief District Officer.
The NRCS handed over the printed books to the administration amidst a programme here Monday.
NRCS Tanahu chapter president Krishna Hari Wagle handed over the books to CDO and chair of disaster management committee, Sagar Acharya.
Among 300 books published by NRCS, the district administration was provided 225 copies. Remaining 75 copies of the book would be handed over to federal, province and district sub-branches of NRCS, according to Wagle.
On the occasion CDO Acharya observed that the disaster response action plan was prepared by identifying the possible disaster events and the measures to minimize them. "Once the local levels formulate plans in line with this action plan, it would be helpful to minimize the effects of extreme weather events," he added.
Immediate search and rescue of the missing ones and relief distribution to the survivors of disasters to be caused by the monsoon are incorporated in the action plan. "Mobilization of all security bodies, district disaster management committee, local disaster management committee and the local community have been clearly mentioned in the book," CDO Acharya added.
The book has further mentioned the responsibilities of each body to identity the possible extreme weather events and the necessary preparedness. It is believed that the knowledge source would be helpful to collect relief, expedite rescue works, mobilize government and non-government organizations, and ensure readiness among the concerned stakeholders.
As per the disaster response plan, 62 out of 85 wards in 10 local levels are identified as vulnerable to landslides. Landslide, fire, lightning and droughts are other possible disasters in the district. Eight sectoral areas are determined on be basis of vulnerability and capacity.
