In a disaster-prone state

In a Disaster prone state

Why is it that even when we know Nepal as a country vulnerable to disasters, we consistently fail to mitigate their effects? This is the question Ajaya Dixit sets out to answer in his book

Ashutosh Tiwari
Given Nepal’s topography and climate, floods are not unusual. In 1953, 1967, 1981, 1993, 1998, 2008, 2013 and 2014 the country was devastated by massive floods.

But you would be mistaken to think that the government learnt its lessons and put in substantial measures to save lives and property before, during and after the floods. This August’s floods submerged almost all of the eastern Tarai — affecting 20% of the country’s population.

Why is it that even when we know Nepal as a country vulnerable to disasters, we consistently fail to mitigate their effects? This is the question Ajaya Dixit sets out to answer in his book, Nepal Ma Bipad (Disasters in Nepal)

Dixit discusses seven types of disasters common to Nepal, with recent examples: avalanches, landslides, floods, blizzards, hailstorms, infectious diseases and even aircraft accidents. Fourteen porters were buried alive on the Khumbu Icefall in 2014. The same year, a chunk of a mountain in Jure fell into the Bhote Kosi, blocking the river, uprooting villages along its path, killing 145 people and closing the Arniko Highway for weeks.

more details
https://archive.nepalitimes.com/article/Nepali-Times-Buzz/disasters-in-Nepal-book-review,3965

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