An unseen reality: recovery following small disasters in remote area - The case of Sannighat, Kalikot, Nepal

This report examines the recovery experience of small, remote Nepalese communities in the aftermath of disaster. The aim is both to provide academic insight and to contribute to the formulation of better recovery strategies, policies and plans by government and other “external” agencies. To this end the report identifies the actions taken by disaster affected communities to promote their own recovery and to identify those potential areas of support that could be targeted by external aid agencies that would support recovery measures.

The information presented comes from a study of Mumra and Mehalmudi in Sannighat in the Kalikot District carried out by Mission East Nepal in March-April 2014, in the aftermath of a destructive flash flood that occurred in June 2013. The findings of the report are used to generate a number of specific recommendations for NGOs in the following areas: (i) disaster preparedness; (ii) disaster mitigation measures; (iii) linking community forest management with disaster management; (iv) food aid; (v) employment regeneration programs; (vi) education and health support for disaster affected children; and (vii) reconstruction.