Disaster Management Policies and Practices in Vulnerable Communities of Nepal: A Qualitative Analysis

This study uses qualitative methods to assess the effectiveness of Nepal's National Policy for Disaster Risk Reduction (2018) in the Sankhu area, a community particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. Focusing on the Shankharapur Municipality in the Kathmandu Valley, the examines the policy's impact on marginalized communities in the aftermath of the devastating 2015 earthquake. Comprehensive interviews were conducted with 30 participants, including earthquake survivors, local government officials, and community leaders. The analysis of these interviews revealed significant barriers to the policy's implementation. Notably, a lack of collaboration among various stakeholders involved in disaster management has hindered effective response and recovery efforts. The existing policy framework also fails to sufficiently address the unique needs of disadvantaged populations, potentially increasing their vulnerability during disasters. Moreover, the study identified that the rigidity of the current policy framework limits its adaptability to evolving disaster scenarios, further diminishing its effectiveness against future threats. Additionally, the findings indicate that inadequate community engagement strategies have weakened disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, ultimately limiting the overall impact of the policy. The study underscores the need for policy reforms that enhance Nepal's capacity to withstand natural disasters by addressing these critical areas for improvement.