Disaster Preparedness Network Nepal

Disaster Preparedness Network Nepal Report preparation for UNDP Second Quarterly Progress Report: DPNet Strengthening Project November 2006 - January 2007 Supported by UNDP Nepal with assistance from European Commission through its Humanitarian Aid Department

Section A: Project Progress Report Objective 1: Institutionalization of the DPNet Nepal 1. Management of Secretariat a. Annual General Meeting: The fifth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Disaster Preparedness Network (DPNet) was convened on November 3, 2006. A total of 48 members from 29 partner organizations participated in the meeting. The fifth Annual General Meeting adopted five point resolutions. The resolutions are to: 1. explore various options to obtain legal recognition for the Disaster Preparedness Network (DPNet) and present for discussion and decision in the next General Meeting. 2. revisit the existing Charter to make it relevant to the present situation 3. request the Ministry of Education and Sports to incorporate disaster management education in the school level curricula. 4. launch various disaster awareness-raising program through training, interaction and publications. 5. prepare sustainability plan for DPNet The AGM elected unanimously new Executive Committee. Newly elected Executive Committee is: Chairperson: Mr. Badri Khanal,, General Secretary: Dr. Meen Bahadur Poudyal Chhetri, Treasurer: Mr. Prajwal Acharya, Members: Ms. Anjali Shakya Thakali, Ms. Amrita Sharma, Mr. Tirtha Raj Onta, Prof. Jib Raj Pokhrel, Mr. Bishnu Prasad Kharel and Mr. Gopal Dahal. Executive Committee of DPNet Participants in Annual General Meeting 2

b. Executive Committee meetings: Six executive committee meetings were convened between November 2006 and January 2007. Major decisions are: EC meeting of November 3, 2006 endorsed progress and financial reports presented by Prajwal Acharya and Murari Binod Pokharel respectively. EC meeting of November 4, 2006 endorsed the five points resolution adopted by fifth AGM. EC meeting of December 1, 2006 formed the four members task force for formulation of DPNet sustainability plan under the convenorship of Prof. Dr. Jiba Raj Pokhrel. Other members are Ms. Anjali Thakali Shakya (Save the Children, US), Mr. Bishnu Kharel (OXFAM, GB- Nepal) and Mr. Om Shankar Mulmi (UNDP). EC meeting of December 15, 2006, accepted the sustainable plan submitted by the task force. The task force recommended the organization of interactive workshop involving all partners and stakeholders. EC meeting of January 7, 2007 decided to authorize Chairperson and General Secretary to make necessary arrangement for signing MOU between ActionAid Nepal, National Society for Earthquake Technologies (NSET), Centre for Policy Research and Consultancy (CPReC), Education Network (EDNet) and Disaster Preparedness Network (DPNet) for their involvement as national partners in Disaster Risk Reduction through School Project. EC meeting of January 13, 2007 reviewed progress of the Sphere Training held and approved the resignation rendered by the Project Coordinator Dr. Ram Prasad Shrestha. Detail is as given below: Resignation and New Arrangement Executive committee meeting approved the resignation rendered by the project coordinator Dr. Ram Prasad Shrestha effective from January 26, 2007 for his personal reasons. The meeting of January 13, 2007 decided to call Mr. Niranjan Tamrakar, who was in the waiting list in the previous recruitment process as a replacement of project coordinator from same date. c. Project Steering Committee meetings: Similarly, four Project Steering Committee meetings were held during the reporting period between November 2006 and January 2007. The major decisions of the PSC meetings are: The PSC meeting of November 15, 2006 reviewed the proposed project activities and approved the implementation plan upto January 2007. PSC member Mr. Rahul Sen 3

Gupta from UNDP informed the extension of the DPNet Strengthening Project implementation period to June 2007. The PSC meeting of December 15, 2006 closed down the individual membership of the DPNet for the time being. However, the institutional members remain open for all. The PSC meeting of January 13, 2007 referred the resignation of Project Coordinator on personal reason to executive committee. Objective 2: Strengthening the DM capacity of Partners 2. Training: During this reporting period following training have been accomplished as planned. a. Sphere Training Sphere training program has been planned to enhance capacity of the DPNet partners in mitigating effects of natural and anthropogenic hazards and disasters response activities. The present capacity of the DPNet partners organizations is widely deferred in providing the humanitarian aid/support packages. To ensure the maintenance of minimum standards of the humanitarian aid, a common guideline needs to be followed by all the concerned organizations of the humanitarian aid. The sphere handbook is the most relevant one in defining a minimum standard. The sphere manual aims to sensitize the policy makers and the stakeholders at the central level on disaster preparedness and response program in Nepal. It is envisioned the effective implementation of the manual would help to improve the lives of the disaster-affected people. Furthermore, Sphere standard has already been introduced in Nepal but in-depth the knowledge needs to be imparted. Training on sphere standard is important and crucial means in bring uniformity in humanitarian support provided by the different organizations. This training was organized with the aims to familiarize the sphere manual and their importance, to ensure uniformity among the support provided by different humanitarian organizations and to make the support more effective. For the effective implementation of sphere standard, the DPNet Nepal in association with the OXFAM GB Nepal arranged the resource persons from RedR India. The OXFAM GB Nepal provided the technical assistance including facilitators fee and their international travel cost. The rest logistical support including internal residence of both trainees and facilitators, and other training arrangements were arranged through DPNet Nepal. Four-resource persons two Indian (Prasad Savekari and Ajit Phadnis facilitated the course in the first batch training while Vikrant Mahajan replaced Ajit Phadnis in the second batch) and two Nepali nationals (Meghranjani Rai and Rajan Pandey) were mobilized during the training. The sphere handbook (Nepali version), a course CD with the class presentation and relevant reference materials 4

such as the emergency handbook and sphere in soft form were also distributed to each participant. Sphere Training at Dhulikhel Venue date and participants: The training was conducted in two batches. The first batch Sphere training was held at Dhulikhel Resort, Dhulikhel from January 2-5, 2007 and second batch at Country Villa, Nagarkot from January 8-11, 2007. Altogether 54 trainees were participated (29 in first batch and 25 in second batch) representing fifteen and fourteen different DPNet partners NGOs, INGOs and agencies working in the field of disaster management in first and second batch respectively. Outputs Fifty-four participants from 22 different partner organizations were familiarized with the perspective of Sphere and its minimum standards in five major sectors. The participants also understood the cross cutting themes such as gender, diversity, collaboration, coordination, transparency and inclusion. Moreover, participants were equipped with the Sphere standards and other recent relevant reference materials for humanitarian aid activities. General Observations The participants of both batches appraised the Sphere training program as successful and showed their satisfaction about course content and methods of conduction. Besides, the training truly represents their present needs of disaster management/response practices. Moreover, demand of Sphere training is continuously coming in from our partners. b. Basic First Aid Training Sphere Training at Nagarkot Injuries of various forms and types do occur due to accident or disasters. Preparedness for timely and adequate response is prerequisite to minimize the impact of such occurrence. Acquiring first aid skills could be a valuable aspect of 5

preparedness for managing such happenings. The provision of first aid to a victim is a life saving skill and in some cases it is the only way for saving victim/s life at the site of incidence. In this connection DPNet arranged a course of Basic First Aid Training for the members of the DPNet partner organization The main objectives of this training were to build up the capacity of the member organizations to cope up with and to be prepared for probable injuries due to accidents or disasters by providing First Aid skills and knowledge. The First Aid Section of Nepal Red Cross Society facilitated the training program with technical backstopping. V e n u e First Aid Training Participants of First Aid Training Venue, date and participants: The First Aid Training was organized at Nagarkot from January 18-21, 2007. The participants were selected from members of the DP-Net partner organizations having field experiences of disaster management or working in casualty management area. Moreover, participants have their willingness to provide his/her service in voluntary basis, sound health to carryout service activities, non-controversial specifically in any conflict situation and gender balanced. Altogether 23 participants from 16 different DPNet partner organizations attended the Basic First Aid Training. Outputs Twenty-three participants from 16 different partner organizations enhanced their first aid skill and expected to provide the services to injured persons of the disaster. The participants also understood the concept, principles and process of the First Aid. General Comments and Observations: The participants found the training more useful in their daily life and showed their satisfaction about the training content and method of conduction. Moreover, participants demanded the refresher course as well as advance training in the interval of 1-2 years. 6

Objective 3: knowledge Sharing 3. Awareness Events a. Sharing Meetings/ Seminar: DPNet had planned to organize three sharing seminars in 2006-07 under the DPNet Strengthening Project focusing primarily on issues related to disaster preparedness and experiences gained in relief operations as well in recovery phases. The first of such sharing-meeting seminar was conducted on November 29, 2006. The main objectives of the seminar was to share information on developments that have taken place in international arena, to share information on studies and innovations pertaining to various aspects of disaster management, and to exchange views and experiences gained in course of implementation of disaster management. The seminar became useful platform for better understanding of disaster management cycle among the member organizations and systematic planning of activities in the days to come. This event was focused on disaster preparedness, disaster early warning system, prevention and mitigation. National and international professionals presented seven technical papers in the seminar. 1. Introduction to Seminar and DPNet Activities ; Dr. Ram Prasad Shrestha, Coordinator, DPNet 2. Disaster Risk Reduction Education for Sustainable Development ; Dr. Andrew Collins, Senior Lecturer, Disaster and Development Centre, Northumbria University, UK. 3. 100 years of Disaster scenario in Nepal ; Mr. Komal Raj Aryal, Ph.D. Fellow, Disaster and Development Centre, Northumbria University, UK. 4. Disaster Management Strategy in Nepal, Mr. Pratap Kumar Pathak, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affair, Government of Nepal 5. Community Development and Disaster Management, Mr. Bishnu Das Shrestha, Superintend Engineer (Geol.), Department of Electricity Development. GoN. 6. Early warning System for Landslides and Debris Flow ; Prof Jiba Raj Pokhrel, Director, Centre for Disaster studies. 7. Flash flood in Chitwan, Nepal, Mr. Prakash Regmi, NGO Forum, Chitwan Venue, date and participants: The Seminar was held at Grand Hotel, Red Cross Marg, Kalimati in Kathmandu from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm on Wednesday, November 29, 2006. Forty-five representatives from 29 various governmental organizations (GOs), international and national nongovernmental organizations (I/NGOs) and specialized agencies of the United Nations (UN) participated in the seminar. Outcomes Banner of Information Sharing Meeting Banner of Information Sharing Meeting 7

All presentations were found thought provoking and increase interaction. This seminar brought the partner organizations closed to each other and make interactive. More importantly, it stimulated the participants to act proactively in disaster preparedness and response activities. DPNet will continuously organize such seminars in the days to come covering wider sections of the society. b. Earthquake Safety Day: Every year, Nepal celebrates the National Earthquake Safety Day (ESD) on 2 nd of Magh since 1999 in commemoration of the Great Bihar-Nepal Earthquake of 1934. Apart from creating awareness about earthquakes the theme of the day was to share knowledge and information about safety measures and disaster management. It is in fact the culmination of earthquake risk management works implemented in the country in the preceding 12 months, and allows taking stock of the achievements and shortcomings. This year, Nepal observed the Ninth National Earthquake Safety Day (ESD) on January 16, 2007. It is the first time that DPNet has participated in the Earthquake Safety Day celebrated from January16-18, 2007 at the Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal. DPNet established the exhibition stall by displaying its activities. It has two kinds of materials: distribution materials and display materials. DPNet distributed brochure while DPNet Charter, Sphere handbook (Nepali Version), report of ISDR Day were on display. In addition, PowerPoint presentation about DPNet and partners list was also displayed in the DPNet Stall. Outcomes: Displayed DPNet Banner Home Minister observing DPNet Stall on ESD Around 15000 visitors observed the exhibition on day one and turned out in the next two successive days were approximately 10000 and 12000 respectively. The visitors have shown their keen interest in acquiring information about DPNet activities and disaster preparedness initiatives. The exhibition helped in dissemination and publicity of DPNet to the wider audience. As a result various institutions as well as individuals have contacted DPNet secretariat for membership and detail information. 8

General Observation The participants appreciated DPNet Partners Profile and other display materials. Nonetheless, DPNet experienced the short fall of distribution IEC materials. Realizing this, DPNet needs to develop and publish wider range of IEC materials while participating in such awareness events in the days to come for distribution. 4. Publications: a. Brochure Publication: 2000 copies of DPNet Brochure have been published on November 2006. All the copies have already distributed in training activities, Earthquake Safety Day Exhibition to the DPNet partners organization and interested individuals. The second edition of the brochure publication has already been initiated. b. IEC Material Publication: IEC materials concerning disaster preparedness and management activities have been collecting from the different partners organization. For this DPNet has requested the partners organization and other concerned institutes and individuals to provide the reference materials. Upon completion of compilation of these materials, useful IEC material will be synthesized and subsequently published for distribution. c. Partners Profile: Initial preparatory activities for partners profile have been completed. In this connection, DPNet has circulated the basic mandatory information form to the partners. The initial response from partners is being coming up. Upon completion of compilation of information sheet, Partners Profile will be synthesized and subsequently published. 5. Web-site management: The website (www.dpnet.org.np) remains active and has been continuously updated to incorporate relevant past and upcoming events, as well as newly produced documents, reports and images. Importantly, DPNet has already created the email of its own domain. The new email id is dpnet@dpnet.org.np. 6. Secretariat management It is envisaged that secretariat must have management plan for its day-to-day activities. For this newly appointed coordinator Mr. Niranjan Tamrakar, presented the management plan at the last PSC meeting to carry out remaining activities of the Strengthening the DPNet for Disaster Risk Reduction in Nepal. The management plan is attached in the annex. 9

Achievement during the period from November 2006 to January 2007 S.N Activities Unit Target Achievement Event date Milestone Achievements 1 Sphere Training Times 1 1 January 2-5, 2007 and January 8-11, 2007 Resource sharing Technical collaboration with Oxfam GB Nepal. 2. First Aid Training Times 1 1 January 18-21, 2007 Technical collaboration with the first aid section of Nepal Red Cross Society. 3. Sharing Meeting Times 1 1 November 29, 2006 Seven technical papers 4. Participants of Earthquake safety day 6. Brochure Publication 7. Website Management Times 1 1 January 16-18, 2007 Publicity of DPNet and its activities to the approximately 40000 visitors Times 1 On going On going Published 2000 copies of brochure Times 1 On going On going Updated and interactive website Creation of DPNet s own email domain dpnet@dpnet.org.np 8. PSC Meeting Times 3 4 November 15, 2006, December 15, 2006, January 7, 2007 and January13, 2007 9. EC Meeting Times 2 6 November 3, 2006, November 4, 2006, December 1, 2006, December 15, 2006, January 7, 2007 and January 13, 2007. 10. Annual General Meeting Reviewed, appraised and evaluated the activities executed during the period Approval of resignation of coordinator Dr. Ram Prasad Shrestha and appointment of New the project coordinator Mr. Niranjan Tamrakar, as his a replacement from January 26, 2007 Times 1 1 November 3, 2006 Form new executive committee Adopt five points resolution

REVISED WORK PLAN OF OPERATION DPNet Strengthening Project S. No. Activities Feb Mar April May June Remarks 1 Training a. DM training for partner organization b. Mass casualty mgmt training for partners 2 Awareness Events a. Sharing meetings/seminar b. Simulation (with overall arrangement) 3 Publications development a. Brochure publication b. Partners' profile publication c. IEC materials publication d. Annual report publication e. SPHERE / field practitioner handbook publication Reprinting sphere handbook Development of Sphere handbook for field practitioner Publication of Sphere handbook for field practitioner 4 Web-site management a. Web-site management On going process 5 Management of Secretariat and administrative a. PSC meeting (Monthly) b. DP-Net EC meeting c. Establishment of resource center at secretariat On going process d. Review and evaluation e. Revision of policy, Charter and instutionalization of the DP-Net f. Audit

S. Description No. 1 Reporting a Monthly Report b Quarterly Report 2 Activities a Training: DM training Mass Casualty Annexes Management Plan of DPNet Details Technical narration Financial Consult with Gopal Dahal, LWS Consult with Erik, WHO Anticipated Completion date First Week of following month Nov 2 nd week Feb 2 nd week May 2 nd week Feb 2 nd week Feb 2 nd week b Awareness Sharing meeting/seminar EC/PSC Feb Simulation Prajwal, NRCS March 3 Publication a Partners Profile Information collection format circulation Compilation Synthesis b IEC materials Information collection format circulation Compilation Synthesis c SPHERE/ Field practitioner handbook 4 Web management Email Domain DPNet Project Team DPNet Project Team Concept development Feb 1 st week Feb end March Feb 1 st week Feb end March Feb 3 rd week Creation of DPNet s own Feb 1 st week domain Web maintenance Infospace Feb 1 st week Concept Development DPNet Project Team Feb 2 nd week 5 Secretariat management Institutionalize of DPNet EC March April Resource Center Concept Paper DPNet Project Team Feb end 6 Office management Member interaction (Email Circulation) Mail response Message circulation DPNet Project Team At-least once a week within 24 hour within 24 hour 12

Disaster Partners Preparedness Profile Information Network Sheet Nepal Institutional profile of the DPNET Partners Name of Agency:.. Address in Nepal:.... Address of HQ: Date of Establishment:. Focal Person of the agency for DP-Net: 1.. email:.. Phone no:.. 2.. email:. Phone no:... 3.. email: Phone no:..... No. of years involved in Disaster Management activities: Mandate/ Areas of Engagement Disaster Phase: Preparedness Mitigation Relief/Response Recovery Rehabilitation Any other specify.. Functional Areas: Health Education Structural Any other specify..... Hazard/ Specific expertise: landslide Flood Earthquake Epidemiology Any other specify. Scope of work: Advocacy/ Awareness Implementation/Operation Funding Support Networking Any other specify Membership Types: Life Annual Name:.. Phone no: Fax no:. Post:. Email:. Website:.. Signature: Supported by UNDP Nepal with assistance from European Commission through its Humanitarian Aid department 13