Following the devastating ice-rock avalanche and subsequent floods at the Nepal-Tibet border, the nation is shifting its focus from emergency response to long-term recovery. A recent Rapid Disaster Needs Assessment (RDNA) from Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority highlights the scale of the crisis, noting that approximately 33,000 people have lost their homes.

Researchers studying the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake suggest that Nepal’s recovery efforts should move beyond the "owner-driven" grant models of the past. While these grants provided basic support, they often failed to account for the loss of agricultural land, essential infrastructure, and economic opportunities. Experts warn that simply rebuilding in the same locations—particularly in high-risk river corridors—may perpetuate cycles of vulnerability. Instead, they advocate for a systemic rethink of development patterns that prioritizes the safety and economic viability of affected populations.

A critical challenge identified in the RDNA is the difficulty of verifying beneficiary eligibility, especially when official documentation was destroyed. Lessons from 2015 indicate that relying solely on property ownership for aid can inadvertently exclude the most vulnerable. Furthermore, the report notes that the initial assessment was conducted without extensive community consultation, a gap that researchers argue must be filled by engaging Indigenous Peoples and local municipalities as active decision-makers rather than passive recipients of federal policy.

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The geography of the disaster has disproportionately impacted Indigenous communities, many of whom have deep ancestral ties to the affected regions. While relocation is often proposed as a safety measure, experts emphasize that it must be handled with sensitivity to cultural identity and economic needs. A "one-size-fits-all" approach from the central government is viewed as insufficient; instead, the researchers call for municipality-specific plans that integrate local knowledge with climate-resilient infrastructure.

Ultimately, the recovery process presents an opportunity for Nepal to demonstrate a new model of disaster management. By focusing on human-centered values and addressing the root causes of risk, the country could move toward a more sustainable future that balances economic development with environmental safety.

Source: The Conversation