Far West commits to institutionalize forecast-based disaster response at local level
Far West: A commitment has been made to institutionalize climate-resilient and forecast-based disaster response mechanisms at the local level in the Far West Province.
Stakeholders expressed their commitment to integrate forecast-based preparedness into the provincial disaster management system through an 11-point resolution during a provincial-level dialogue program held in Dhangadhi, Kailali, on Thursday.
Following the dialogue on localizing and implementing national forecast-based preparedness in the Far West Province, a commitment letter was issued stating that national forecast-based preparedness will be effectively implemented by coordinating it with provincial and local policies, plans, budgets and programs.
The commitment also includes strengthening early warning systems, decision support systems and forecast-based preparedness mechanisms, along with ensuring that information reaches communities.
The commitment letter has emphasized prioritizing the participation and protection of women, children, senior citizens, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups affected by disasters.
Similarly, stakeholders have committed to regularly exchange and utilize data, information, technology, research and good practices related to climate change and forecasting for disaster risk management. They have also agreed to further strengthen coordination among all three levels of government and collaboration with development partners, the private sector, educational institutions and civil society.
A commitment has also been made to enhance institutional capacity, resource mobilization and financial investment required to make forecast-based preparedness effective through joint efforts.
The stakeholders agreed to promote nature-based solutions, community-based disaster risk reduction and climate-resilient development practices in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation sectors, while implementing the commitments at the policy level and advancing necessary policies, plans and programs.
The commitment letter has also set the goal of developing Far West Province as a leading province in forecast-based preparedness implementation and maintaining continuity in knowledge, leadership, coordination and collaboration. It also includes commitments to improve the dissemination and effectiveness of disaster information and early warnings, protect at-risk communities on time, and strengthen community disaster management committees.
The program was organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law with financial and technical support from the Nepal National Social Welfare Association (NNSWA), San Pariyoja, Mercycor Nepal and The Coca-Cola Foundation.
During the program, Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law Tej Prasad Joshi, Mayor of Punarbas Municipality Toyaprasad Sharma, Chairman of Laljhadi Rural Municipality Nirmal Rana, Deputy Mayor of Punarbas Municipality Bhuliya Kumari Rana, Deputy Secretary of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) Rajendra Sharma, Kalpana Basyal of Mercycor Nepal, Chief Engineer of the Hydrology and Meteorology Office, Attariya, Sanjay Kumar Sah, and others highlighted the need for community-level initiatives to implement the commitments.