Assessing the Disaster Risk Reduction Knowledge of Local People in Gorkha District, Nepal

Nepal has actively participated in and contributed to various international disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities. Its combination of rugged topography, steep slopes, intense monsoons, active tectonics and seismic processes has made it vulnerable to a variety of natural disasters. Disaster statistics in Nepal highlight the urgent need for DRR efforts, as these disasters have had a devastating impact on the lives, livelihoods and infrastructure of local communities. Assessing the level of disaster risk reduction knowledge among the local population is crucial for understanding their knowledge, preparedness, risk perception and adaptation to disasters. 185 respondents were purposefully interviewed over a span of 15 days. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean (M) and standard deviation (SD) with the results interpreted under separate headings based on the objectives of the study. The level of disaster-related knowledge among the local population was found to be unsatisfactory. Both males and females had limited knowledge of disaster-related facts, although they were well-prepared, aware and adapted to disasters. The local population often overestimated disaster risk and lacked full knowledge of even basic disaster issues.