Staying Prepared, Saving Lives
How a Plan Proved Pivotal for the Jajarkot Earthquake Response
In early January 2023, in a room filled with government and development partners, the Health and Nutrition Cluster in Karnali Province gathered with a determined cause — to formulate a robust plan of action to respond to disasters.
A series of consultations that transpired at the provincial level culminated in the formulation of a “Multi-Hazard Health and Nutrition Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan 2080 B.S,” which was endorsed by the Ministry of Social Development, Karnali Province on 3 November 2023.
On the eve of the day when this plan was endorsed, fate had a test in store.
On 3 November 2023 at 11:47 pm, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Jajarkot and West Rukum Districts of Karnali Province in Nepal. The earth quaked and buildings swayed as many lives became immediately affected. According to the National Emergency Operation Centre, the number of deaths stands at 153 (Male: 70, Female: 83). Findings show that approximately 62,039 households have been affected.
In times of crisis, the value of preparation becomes evident. “We endorsed a multi-hazard response plan, in the morning on the very day the earthquake struck,” said Dr. Rabin Khadka, the Director of the Provincial Health Directorate apeaking at the Inter-Cluster meeting held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law on 8 November 2023.
“This plan has been helpful to map the resources and capacity we have, find out the contact details required for response among other things. It has made it easy for us to mobilize health professionals in time and to establish information management hub at the provincial and local level,” said Khadka.
When the initial meetings on the plan took place, little did anyone know that a few months later, this plan would be key for a coordinated response to a mega disaster. Immediately after the earthquake, the meeting of Incident Command System (ICS), chaired by the Secretary of Ministry of Social Development, was held.
“We were able to mobilize rapid response team, rapid assessment team and transportation of essential health commodities to the affected areas based on this plan. We had also disseminated this endorsed plan in the districts and local level so that they can refer to this document for the response,” sayd Mr. Pradeep Adhikari, Provincial Health Officer, WHO.
This plan quickly became a guiding document for response, as it contains important information detailing the locations and capabilities of the health centers at the local and district level, the inventory of materials and equipment available, human resources and their contact details. And this is precisely what proved to be most valuable for coordinated response — information.
“The Karnali province has formulated a plan which aligns with the government priorities. And seeing how it is making a real difference in Karnali is immensely gratifying. It’s a testament to the power of preparation and collaboration,” says Mr. Damodar Adhikar, key figure in the plan’s formulation.
UNDP’s Strengthening Urban Preparedness, Earthquake Preparedness and Response in Western Regions of Nepal (SUPER) facilitated the onboarding of an expert to formulate this Multi-Hazard Health and Nutrition Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan 2080 B.S. (2023) in Karnali Province, as well as in Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces.
“We experience hazards like landslides, flood, health outbreaks annually here. Hence, investing in disaster preparedness and reduction measures — such as ensuring proper plans are in place — can help reduce the risk and vulnerability of communities and infrastructure to potential disasters. We are happy to have facilitated the formulation of this life-saving plan, in close coordination with Ministry of Social Development, Provincial Health Directorate, cluster co-lead and members and health officials of ten districts of Karnali Province,” said Ms. Yamuna Suwal, Provincial Coordinator for UNDP/SUPER in Karnali province.
This plan has demonstrated how staying prepared and having a response plan can help save lives, serving as a powerful testament to the importance of being prepared for disasters.
UNDP’s SUPER project has been working in select places in the Western region of Nepal, to enhance municipal and provincial preparedness for impending urban and earthquake risks for effective disaster response. It has been working through European Union Humanitarian Aid ‘s generous support with UNDP, UNICEF, and UN Women as consortium members in Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces. SUPER’s local implementing partners include Nepal Red Cross Society, Rural Women’s Development and Unity Centre (RUWDUC), and Social Awareness Center Nepal (SAC Nepal).
Story: Ayushma Basnyat, and Yamuna Suwal at UNDP/SUPER. Photos: UNDP Nepal. Read more at: www.undp.org/nepal
