Community awareness strengthens disaster preparedness and response in Tikapur

Tikapur: Communities in Tikapur, Kailali, are becoming increasingly aware of the impacts of climate change and are actively engaging in disaster preparedness and response.

Disaster management committees formed in flood-prone areas of Tikapur are not only working to reduce flood risks but are also raising awareness about climate change. These committees have begun regular discussions on floods, climate-related risks, environmental protection, and crop safety.

The Local Disaster Management Committee in Tikapur Municipality-5, Dakshin Shahipur, prepares annual plans based on weather conditions to minimize risks and enhance preparedness and response. Committee chairman Chandra Bahadur Rokamagar said the group has been actively involved in disaster management since 2064 BS, when the Karnali River began posing recurring flood threats.

“We have been practicing models in the community, holding monthly meetings, discussing weather-related disasters, and focusing on early warning systems before floods,” he said. “Our settlement is at risk from the Karnali River. In the past, people used to lose their lives during floods. Since 2064 BS, we have remained vigilant to prevent human and property losses.”

The community has maintained data on senior citizens, persons with disabilities, children, pregnant women, and postpartum women, and has mapped vulnerable areas. During disasters, the community itself takes the lead in rescue efforts. Awareness of climate change impacts has also increased, with early warning, first aid, search and rescue, and women’s task forces formed in each community. These committees remain active throughout the year.

Pila Jaisi, a member of the South Shahipur First Aid Task Force, said that five years ago she lacked knowledge on how to respond to disasters, but now understands that collective action can ensure safety and protection.

Tikapur Municipality has been collaborating with various organizations to strengthen community capacity. Social worker Niraj Chaudhary said support has been provided in wards 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 through emergency supplies, capacity building of disaster management committees, and strengthening the role of task forces.

“We are assisting in early warning and preparedness,” he said. “We are holding discussions based on seasonal risks, and currently focusing on ways to prevent fire hazards.”

The community has also shown increased awareness of environmental protection. Farmers have reduced the use of pesticides and are engaged in income-generating activities. “Women here have started producing cane and bamboo furniture and are earning income through vegetable farming,” said local Dhansara Thakulla. “Farmers in affected areas have also enrolled in flood insurance for rice crops.”

Taranath Rana, head of the Area Administration Office, Tikapur, emphasized the importance of community engagement in climate resilience. “An active community helps reduce the impact of disasters. Municipalities and organizations should support capacity development,” he said. “Early warning is crucial, as it enables communities to respond collectively.”

Ward Chairman of Tikapur-7, Yagya Prasad Neupane, said that organizational support has strengthened disaster management efforts. “Empowering local communities helps reduce risks and makes it easier for local governments to manage disasters,” he said.

Municipal and ward-level disaster management committees have been formed under the leadership of elected representatives in Tikapur. With support from various organizations, around 60 community-level disaster management committees are currently active in affected areas.

Nirmala Chaudhary, head of the Forest, Environment and Disaster Management Branch, said that organizations have contributed by building community capacity, providing search and rescue materials, and offering training at the municipal level. “Although community committees are not legally registered, they are capable of reducing disaster risks and have supported the municipality in response efforts,” she said. “If the community is aware, it significantly strengthens overall disaster response.”