Assessing the
Disaster Risk Reduction Knowledge of Local People in Gorkha District, Nepal
Devkota Pradip and Shrestha Santosh
Disaster Advances; Vol. 18(4); 47-54;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/184da047054; (2025)
Abstract
Nepal has actively participated in and contributed to various international disaster
risk reduction (DRR) activities. Its combination of rugged topography, steep slopes,
intense monsoons, active tectonics and seismic processes has made it vulnerable
to a variety of natural disasters. Disaster statistics in Nepal highlight the urgent
need for DRR efforts, as these disasters have had a devastating impact on the lives,
livelihoods and infrastructure of local communities. Assessing the level of disaster
risk reduction knowledge among the local population is crucial for understanding
their knowledge, preparedness, risk perception and adaptation to disasters.
185 respondents were purposefully interviewed over a span of 15 days. The collected
data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean
(M) and standard deviation (SD) with the results interpreted under separate headings
based on the objectives of the study. The level of disaster-related knowledge among
the local population was found to be unsatisfactory. Both males and females had
limited knowledge of disaster-related facts, although they were well-prepared, aware
and adapted to disasters. The local population often overestimated disaster risk
and lacked full knowledge of even basic disaster issues.
