Prevalence of natural disasters
Nepal, nestled amidst the formidable peaks of the Himalayas, faces a multitude of natural threats due to its unique geography. The nation is highly susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, which impose significant threats to both its population and infrastructure. Earthquakes, in particular, are a recurring nightmare, with notable occurrences in 1934 and 2015. The 1934 Nepal-Bihar earthquake, measuring an estimated magnitude of 8.0, resulted in widespread destruction and claimed thousands of lives. Similarly, the 2015 earthquake, registering at 7.8 magnitude, was one of the deadliest in Nepali history, causing over 9,000 fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure, including heritage sites and residential buildings.
Moreover, the country faces annual flooding during the monsoon season, exacerbated by heavy rainfall and glacier melt from the Himalayas, which can devastate communities, destroy homes, agricultural land, and infrastructure, and lead to loss of lives and displacement.
Compounding these challenges are the country's limited resources and capacity. With limited financial and technological resources for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, the government's capacity to mitigate the impact of disasters and support affected communities is often constrained. Financial constraints, coupled with a shortage of trained personnel in disaster management, hinder effective preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Moreover, Nepal's reliance on international aid, while crucial for supplementing its resources, can be unpredictable and may not always align with the country’s long-term development goals. Thus, Nepal finds itself in a precarious position, constantly striving to mitigate the impact of natural disasters amidst resource constraints and external dependencies.
UKF’s model for change
Prompt action after natural disasters: UKF aims to provide immediate assistance and support to communities affected by natural disasters in Nepal. This includes rapidly deploying emergency relief supplies such as food, water, shelter, and medical aid to affected areas to address the most pressing needs of survivors. By ensuring prompt and coordinated response efforts, the foundation seeks to minimize the loss of life, alleviate suffering, and facilitate the early recovery of affected communities.
Foster partnerships to supplement resources and expertise in disaster response and recovery efforts: Recognizing the limitations of our resources, UKF intends to collaborate with other organizations and donor agencies to enhance its capacity and expertise in disaster response and recovery efforts. This may involve establishing partnerships with local and international NGOs, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations to leverage additional resources, knowledge, and technical support. By pooling resources and coordinating efforts, UKF aims to strengthen its ability to effectively respond to and recover from natural disasters.