Preparing for the Disaster Emergencies: Light Search and Rescue Equipment Handover to the Local Government (Municipality) of Nepal

Mr. Rishi Raj Acharya, Under Secretary, Head of Environment and Disaster Management Division, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration

“Local level disaster response and preparedness is a key responsibility among the many duties assigned to municipalities. Accomplishing these responsibilities requires knowledge and skills in disaster management. Many policies and other efforts have been prepared under the leadership of the Ministry and with support from development partners to fill the existing gaps in disaster management at the local level. The assistance provided by NPP/ADPC/NDRCs for formulating improved disaster management plans and strategies at the local level is appreciated. This light search and rescue equipment support will help in timely response and save lives during the disaster. I highly appreciate the continuous support and I will do my best to further support to enable and sustain the capabilities of the local level in the future.”

Mr. Samsher Lama, Mayor, Rapti Municipality

“The most important aspect during emergency response is to save human lives and reduce human causalities during any disaster events, while on the other hand, the municipality needs to be prepared and ready to respond to such situations as the first responder. This equipment supports along with capacity building support we have been receiving from APPII/NPPII has been contributing to reinforcing capacities to fulfill our mandated responsibilities to lead to protect the lives of the at-risk population. We are thankful and look forward to your continued support in the future.”

Mr. Pralhad Sapkota, Mayor Ratnanagar Municipality

“Ratnanagar Municipality is one of the highly impacted flood-prone areas in Chitwan District. The municipality is in its early growth stage, especially in the disaster management sector and we acquire all the support available from interested development partners so that we can mature with time. In this context, we consider ourselves fortunate to be supported by APPII/NPPII/ADPC/NDRC, for the past 2-3 years. Their support in capacitating our ability to prepare, reduce and respond to disasters has guided us to formulate strategies to improve our disaster management capacities. Today’s support has been another cornerstone and motivation for us to build on this support. We thank the project for its committed support and expect its continuity with the passage of time.”

Mr. Binod Regmi, Mayor, Kalika Municipality

“Local-level disaster response and preparedness are a major responsibility among the many duties bestowed upon the municipality. Knowledge and skills in disaster management are essential to fulfill these responsibilities.  APPII/NPPII/ADPC/NDRCs’ continued efforts and investment in upgrading our disaster management capacities are now gradually enabling us to progressively and properly manage plans and strategies for improvised disaster management.  The light search and rescue materials we received today will support us to timely respond and save lives because in the past we did not have these and had to wait for others to support us to respond. We highly appreciated the continued support from the project initiatives and expect similar efforts and support in the coming days to further enable and sustain our abilities.”

Mr. Shashi Kumar Khaniya, Mayor, Khairahani Municipality

“We welcome the light search and rescue materials support from the project and are confident that this will support us to respond efficiently to save lives and properties during disaster events. We value the continuous assistance from APPII/NPPII/ADPC/NDRCs’ and anticipate support to further upgrade our capabilities.”

Ms. Maya Silwal, Vice-chairperson, Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality

“Ichchakamana Rural Municipality is highly vulnerable to disasters such as floods, landslides, etc. The most important aspect during emergency response is to save human lives and minimize human casualties in any disaster, while on the other hand, the rural municipality should be prepared to respond to such situations as first responders. Along with the capacity-building support we are receiving from NPP, this equipment support will contribute to fulfilling our mandated responsibilities to protect the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities. We are grateful and look forward to your continued support in the future.”

Mr. Puspa Raj Dhakal, Chief Administration Officer, Madi Municipality

“Madi municipality is a valley located in the southern part of Chitwan district and is at high risk of floods, wild animal attacks, fire, etc. This municipality is in the initial stage of development, the municipality lacks experience and skilled manpower in the field of disaster management. We are willing to collaborate with development partners for capacity building, strategic management, and risk mitigation to make this municipality resilient over time. In this context, we feel fortunate to have the support of NPP/ADPC/NDRC, to formulate strategies to improve our disaster management capabilities and enable our capacity to prepare, mitigate and respond to disaster response. Basic life-saving material support is another cornerstone and inspiration for building our resilience. We thank the project for its committed support and look forward to its continuation over time.”

Achievements and Way Forward:

• All municipalities will provide separate storerooms to stock all LSAR materials.
• Municipalities will collaborate to provide LSAR training to municipal staff.
• Municipality to develop guidelines for the utilization of rescue materials.

List of Handed-over Basic life-saving equipment: