How can we transform Nepal from a country that merely seeks aid into one that provides knowledge, technology, and solutions for disaster management?
How can we transform Nepal from a country that merely seeks aid into one that provides knowledge, technology, and solutions for disaster management? Disasters are nothing new to Nepal. Earthquakes, floods, landslides, glacial lake outbursts , avalanches, inundation, and extreme weather events have repeatedly caused destruction. However, our core problem is not just the occurrence of these disasters, but rather our traditional response to them. We endure suffering, discuss relief and rescue operations, compile damage reports, hold a few meetings, and—as time passes—forget everything. When the next disaster strikes, we repeat the same questions: Why weren't we prepared? Why didn't information reach us in time? Why was the rescue delayed? Why were settlements located in such high-risk areas? Before long, these questions, too, fade away. This cycle—which leads to no tangible results—must be broken. Viewing disasters merely as "natural events" is no longer sufficient. Eve...