Analyzing the disaster response competency of the local government official and the elected representative in Nepal

• Main Authors: Shrijan Bahadur Malla, Ranjan Kumar Dahal, Shuichi Hasegawa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SpringerOpen 2020-05-01
• Series: Geoenvironmental Disasters
• Subjects: Disaster response; Government official; Elected representative; Knowledge; Preparedness; Perception
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40677-020-00153-z

Abstract Local authorities i.e. government officials working at the district level and below and elected representatives of municipalities are the steering body of local-level disaster response mechanism in Nepal. The effectiveness of response operation moreover depends on their competency. This paper investigates their disaster response knowledge, preparedness, and perception, and to identify gaps and suggest recommendations. The prevailing competency of Nepalese local authorities doesn’t warrant an effective response during the time of disaster. They lack awareness and preparedness. Amidst their positive perception towards the need of disaster response capacity building, in the void of an effective mechanism, the government has failed to enhance their competency. The national investment for disaster response competency building is meager in Nepal. The country heavily relies on foreign aid. The present capacity-building mechanism should be redressed from the newer dynamic.