Strengthening Disaster Response in Sindhupalchowk through Strategic Planning
A senior official from Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchowk, shared how the contingency plan developed by the Group for Technical Assistance (GTA), with financial support from Give2Asia, has marked a turning point in the municipality’s disaster management efforts. According to the official, this plan has significantly contributed to the formulation and implementation of the local Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Plan, serving as a roadmap for annual planning, budget allocation, and the mobilization of trained personnel. The result has been a more systematic and timely response to natural disasters.
Drawing from personal experience, the official reflected on how this initiative helped fill a longstanding gap in government-led disaster and development interventions. The contingency plan offered much-needed structure and clarity in guiding disaster response, which had been absent in earlier years. In expressing appreciation, the official extended heartfelt gratitude to the organizations and individuals who made this possible.
From this response program, numerous flood- and landslide-affected households in Sindhupalchowk received critical relief supplies, including utensils, trampolines, WASH kits, menstrual hygiene kits, super flour, and chlorine solution for water purification. Beyond material support, the initiative also prioritized education and awareness distributing books, notebooks, stationery, and broadcasting jingles to sensitize communities on disaster preparedness.
Moreover, the Municipal Representative emphasized that the project’s comprehensive and timely approach has brought tangible relief to vulnerable communities. They recommended replicating similar initiatives on a regular basis to ensure sustained and equitable support for disaster-affected populations.
In a brief discussion, municipal officials from Barhabise and representatives from GTA also acknowledged the value of the emergency feedback plan developed under this project. They noted that this document could serve as a key reference tool for future disaster preparedness and response, especially during floods and landslides in high-risk areas like Bhotekoshi. They further suggested its integration into annual planning processes to promote equitable budget distribution and ensure both technical and financial support reaches the most affected communities.
This collective effort has not only enhanced local disaster response capabilities but has also set a precedent for coordinated, community-focused planning in times of crisis.
Disclaimer: This story has been collected, compiled, and edited by the Field and Communication team at GTA Nepal, based entirely on the personal account shared by the individual. While the language has been refined for narrative clarity, the meaning and intent remain unchanged. The individual’s name has been anonymized to respect their privacy.