The National Planning Commission of Nepal, in its Post Flood Recovery Needs Assessment Report, identified communication as the “weakest link” in the August 2017 floods and Nepal’s FEWS lack attention to gender and social inclusion.

Under ICIMOD’s HI-RISK Initiative, a team of ICIMOD staff will be visiting select communities living alongside the flood-prone Ratu River in and around Bardibas to:

• assess existing flood early warning communication and dissemination channels and means at the community level to identify gaps and challenges
• understand end-user needs in terms of communication tools, knowledge products, awareness raising, and capacity building for better flood preparedness and response
• explore opportunities for collaboration with the local and district governments and flood vulnerable communities to develop disaster management plans for building flood resilience

The team will also conduct focus group discussions and key informant interviews at the community level in Mohattari and Dhanusa and will meet with key municipality officials and personnel at the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC).