News

Kathmandu, 21 January 2026: The 17th Annual General Assembly (AGM) of the Disaster Preparedness Network Nepal (DPNet-Nepal) successfully concluded today, underscoring the importance of earthquake early warning systems and strengthening local disaster management capacities.

The AGM was chaired by Dr. Raju Thapa and hosted by General Secretary Er. Suraj Gautam. The program was honored by the presence of Er. Dinesh Prasad Bhatt, Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), as the Chief Guest. Special guests included Prof. Dr. Hari Darshan Shrestha (Nepal Red Cross Society), Mr. Arjun Prasad Bhattarai (NGO Federation of Nepal), and Mr. Shyam Babu Kattel (National Council for Disaster Management Committee).

28^th Earthquake Safety Day Special

DPNet Advisor Prof. Dr. Bishal Nath Upreti highlighted Nepal’s high seismic risk and emphasized the urgent need for robust earthquake early warning systems capable of providing alerts at least 40 seconds before a major earthquake. He noted that while such systems could save thousands of lives, progress remains limited due to technological and data constraints. Dr. Upreti also stressed the importance of strengthening the capacity of local governments and security agencies for effective disaster response.

Chief Guest Er. Dinesh Prasad Bhatt emphasized that empowering local governments is critical for effective disaster risk reduction. He highlighted the need for a dedicated disaster code under the national budget heading and shared updates on NDRRMA’s initiatives to expand access to loss and damage funds, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to enhancing preparedness across municipalities.

Disaster Management Awards
DPNet Disaster Management Awards were presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to disaster risk reduction.

The “Nepal Disaster Management Life Saver Award” was conferred upon volunteer group RNA-16 (Rescue and Awareness in 16 Types of Disasters), represented by Mr. Arun Sainju and Ms. Nina Khaitu, in recognition of their courageous and selfless service. RNA-16 demonstrated exemplary leadership during the Jajarkot Earthquake and played a critical humanitarian role in managing COVID-19 fatalities in Bhaktapur, including the dignified cremation of Nepal’s first COVID-19 casualty in May 2020.

The “Nepal Disaster Management Technology Award” was awarded to Dr. Sri Ram Sharma in recognition of his outstanding contributions to disaster risk reduction in Nepal, particularly his scientific research on lightning risk reduction and nationwide public awareness campaigns that have significantly enhanced public understanding of lightning safety, early warning systems, and protection measures.

Additionally, Mr. Kishor Kumar Limbu, Mayor of Dodhara Chandani Municipality, was honored with the “Nepal Disaster Management Distinguished Award.” This recognition was conferred in appreciation of his exemplary leadership during Nepal’s record 624 mm daily rainfall between 7–8 July 2024, which ensured zero casualties while safeguarding lives and restoring normalcy.

DPNet-Nepal congratulates all award recipients and reaffirms its commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and locally led risk reduction efforts across Nepal.

Dr. Raju Thapa expressed his sincere gratitude to all stakeholders for their collective efforts in making the tenure impactful and results-driven. He highlighted the successful organization of the 3rd and 4th National Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (NCDRR), effective coordination and response during the Dashain flooding, and strong multi-stakeholder collaboration through the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR). He also acknowledged the collective efforts in building national consensus and developing key national position papers during the regional (APMCDRR) and global platforms (GPDRR), and formally closed the opening session of the 17th Annual General Assembly.

New Executive Committee Nominated

The Disaster Preparedness Network Nepal (DPNet-Nepal) has elected a new Executive Committee under the leadership of Dr. Basanta Raj Adhikari during its 17th Annual General Assembly (AGM). The Assembly also approved DPNet-Nepal’s annual program for Fiscal Year 2082/83 and reviewed collaborations with national and international partners to enhance disaster resilience across the country.

Following the AGM, the new committee held its first meeting, appointing Mr. Keshab Datta Bhatta as Vice President, Er. Suraj Gautam as General Secretary, Harshaman Maharjan as Deputy General Secretary, and Amika Rajthala as Treasurer. The committee members include Kalpana Rawal Bogati, Ishwar Datt Upadhyay, Shivaram Gautam, Shyam Babu Kattel, and Ram Krishna Ray, with provisions for two representatives from international NGOs.

The newly elected leadership reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders, while prioritizing community-level disaster preparedness and capacity-building programs across Nepal.