Disaster Management Expert Man Bahadur Thapa Shares Experiences and Insights
Summary
Disaster management expert Man Bahadur Thapa says Nepal has failed to learn from past catastrophes like the 1993 floods and the 2015 earthquake, leaving gaps in coordination, preparedness, and reconstruction. He calls for stronger local disaster plans, better intergovernmental cooperation, and greater use of expert knowledge in policymaking.
Key Points
- Man Bahadur Thapa says Nepal repeatedly fails to study disasters deeply and improve institutions, unlike many countries abroad.
- He points to weak coordination, frequent staff transfers, poor preparedness, and limited local resources as major barriers in disaster risk reduction.
- Thapa argues that disaster management should be integrated into development, education curricula, and community responsibility.
- He says Nepal does not adequately use the expertise of seasoned professionals in ministries and planning forums.
