Needs and uses of scientific information for earthquake and monsoon contingency planning by humanitarian clusters in Nepal

Embedding scientific knowledge in policy and practice is crucial for effective disaster risk reduction and planning, but key barriers remain in using science effectively for these purposes. In countries like Nepal, subjected to frequent multi-hazards like earthquakes and landslides, science is acutely needed but not always utilized for risk planning. Here we explore the current uses and requirements for science-based risk information in earthquake and monsoon contingency planning by the government-led, UN-coordinated humanitarian clusters in Nepal. Through a series of structured focus group discussions, we identify the information currently used in disaster preparedness and when that information is required. We find that all clusters share key information needs, including caseloads in terms of number of affected people or households and multi-hazard risk information, particularly around landslides. Information needs for anticipated but uncertain hazards like earthquakes are focused on large-scale vulnerability and risk mapping. In contrast, shorter-term needs for impending hazards, like impacts from the monsoon, are more detailed and cluster-specific. Respondents highlighted that scientific knowledge is well integrated into earthquake planning but less for monsoon planning. A significant barrier to this integration is the availability of data at appropriate spatial resolutions and with adequate lead times. For initial monsoon planning, long-term seasonal forecasts aggregated at district or provincial scales are preferred, but as the monsoon approaches, most clusters preferred higher spatial resolution data despite increased uncertainty. Improved multi-hazard risk information, including landslide, and better support for caseload determination are critical outstanding knowledge gaps that could be filled by new research.