Expedite Post-disaster Reconstruction Campaign

Nepal frequently witnesses various forms of natural disaster such as earthquake, flash flood, landslide and inundation. The mechanisms in place are responsible for dealing with post-disaster situations. Despite remarkable experiences gained in this field, such mechanisms do not seem to have been efficient enough to carry out their responsibilities swiftly. That many people had to lose their lives to the rain-induced calamities in the country in September in the absence of timely and effective rescue operations is a testimony to this fact. Had the rescue work been done efficiently, a lot of people would not have to die. 

Necessary precautions were also not taken despite the warning issued by the Weather Forecasting Division. Distributing relief and rehabilitating the victims were also not carried out promptly. Because of this kind of tendency, the victims were forced to go through a lot of hardship. The responsible officials and agencies were criticised for their inability to perform their duties effectively. 

Loss of lives

Similar was the situation of the people in Jajarkot and Rukum West when a 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit that part of the country nearly 14 months ago. With its epicentre at Ramidanda of Barekot Rural Municipality-1 in Jajarkot district, the quake brought the lives of people upside down. The tremor killed more than 100 lives and injured nearly 160 people in Jajarkot. In Rukum West, over 50 people lost their lives and some 180 others got injured in the disaster. The earthquake has devastated their traditional houses made from mud and stones. 

The quake proved to be quite destructive as it caused damage to an estimated 72,000 private houses and other structures, including school and hospital buildings and local government offices, in Jajarkot, Rukum West and neighbouring Salyan, Dailekh, Jumla and Kalikot districts. Buildings in Rukum East, Pyuthan, Rolpa and Baitadi districts have also been at high risk of damage. Though most buildings are still standing, they are not worth staying because they have developed cracks.  

What is equally tragic is that about three dozen quake victims died of biting cold last winter as they were staying under tarpaulins and in other temporary huts. Many disaster victims suffered from cold and cough, pneumonia and various other communicable and non-communicable diseases while staying in such temporary sheds. They had to face inconveniences during the rainy season as well. As their houses have yet to be rebuilt, the quake victims are still bearing the brunt of the current winter cold. Their situation has worsened with the fresh change in weather condition. A snowfall in the mountain region and drizzle in the hilly region of west Nepal has made the lives of people more difficult.  In such a situation, the concerned local government must come up with additional relief packages for the quake victims without delay.   

It is also a matter of concern that the hilly and mountainous regions of Sudurpaschim Province and Karnali Province have kept on recording earthquakes one after another in recent times. As per the official information, the district alone has recorded nearly one and a half dozen tremors over the past two years or so. A couple of days ago, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake rocked Bajura district. Media reports show that the disaster has damaged many houses and other structures in Jagannath Rural Municipality of the district. The recent calamity has devastated as many as 108 houses and more than 450 other structures have sustained minor damages. The quake has hit two dozen school buildings, 11 health posts and all six ward offices in that rural municipality. Despite this, no human casualties have been recorded. 

But some 50 families in Darji settlement have now been living under tents. The settlement is reported to have been highly affected by the quake. Looking at the repeated tremors recorded in the western region in recent times, more devastating disasters could rock it anytime. Bearing this in mind, it is necessary to raise public awareness about disaster safety. Being the closest to the people, the local government has a crucial role to play in this connection. The media can also help make the general populace aware of the safety measures to be adopted for being safe from quakes.  

Inadequate grant

In line with the Temporary Housing Construction Grant Procedures for Earthquake-2023, the federal government gives Rs. 50,000 in two tranches to each house damaged completely or partially. With rising inflation, this grant is not adequate for reconstructing a safe and quake-resistant house.  The provincial and local governments have extended their support to the quake victims. However, some quake victims have complained that they have yet to receive the second tranche of the housing grant. The federal government has already released the amounts. And through the concerned district disaster management offices have sent the budget to the local levels in the quake-hit districts.   

Considering the plight of the quake victims, there is the necessity for the three-tier governments to have proper coordination and collaboration so as to advance the process of rebuilding. As Nepal falls in the seismic zone, it is necessary for all the local governments to compulsorily enforce strict building codes in order to build quake-resilient structures. All the people should also be ready to follow the building codes just for their safety.

(The author is a former deputy executive editor of this daily.)