A Feasibility Study on Integrated Community Based Flood Disaster Management of Banke District, Nepal
This feasibility study presents a comprehensive approach to flood disaster management in Nepal’s West Rapti River Basin, combining scientific analysis with community-based practices. Conducted by ICHARM/PWRI and the Nepal Development Research Institute, the research examines the root causes, impacts, and management of recurrent flooding affecting vulnerable rural communities.
Using participatory rural appraisal methods alongside hydrological and hydraulic modeling, the study assesses flood hazards, community vulnerabilities, and local capacities. It highlights the significant role of anthropogenic factors—such as poorly designed infrastructure, river training works, and cross-border hydraulic structures—in exacerbating flood risks. The findings also underscore the strong link between flooding, poverty, and declining livelihoods, particularly in agriculture-dependent communities.
A key contribution of the study is the integration of local knowledge—such as traditional early warning indicators and coping practices—with scientific flood modeling. Community-developed hazard maps and action plans are validated through technical analysis, demonstrating an effective hybrid approach to disaster risk reduction.
The study advocates for a shift from reactive, relief-focused responses to proactive, integrated risk management. It emphasizes strengthening community resilience, improving livelihoods, and enhancing institutional coordination, while promoting basin-wide planning that accounts for upstream–downstream dynamics.