The study assessed the current status of heatwave risk, impacts, and opportunities to integrate anticipatory actions into Nepal’s disaster risk management framework. It serves as a knowledge base to support the development of a national roadmap for institutionalizing heat anticipatory action.
As Nepal faces an increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, this project provided an in depth assessment of sectoral vulnerabilities and institutional preparedness. Conducted in early 2025, the study focused on four heat-prone cities and included consultations across government, academia, and civil society.
The project reviewed climate trends, policy frameworks, and response mechanisms in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, water, energy, forestry, and disaster management. It identified major gaps in data availability, early warning systems, sector-specific thresholds, operational response protocols, and awareness.
Details in Bullet:
● Lead Consultant Team:
○ Mr. Dinanath Bhandari (Team Leader)
○ Ms. Manisha K.C. (Hydro Met Expert)
○ Mr. Buddhi Ram Kumal (DRRM Expert)
○ Mr. Uden Maharjan (Public Health Expert)
● Key Sectors Assessed: Health, Agriculture, Education, Water, Energy, DRRM, Forestry, Infrastructure, Transport
● Study Areas:
○ Field Studies: Biratnagar, Siddharthanagar, Nepalganj, Dhangadhi
● Methodology:
○ Literature and policy reviews
○ Climate data analysis (DHM)
○ Key Informant Interviews and Stakeholder Workshops
○ Institutional mapping and policy review
● Major Findings:
○ Heatwaves are under-recognized and reactive responses dominate
○ Thresholds exist but are not integrated into sectoral actions
○ Health and agriculture are highly vulnerable
○ Data gaps and weak institutional capacities persist
In Partnership with: Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), Forum for Energy and Environment Development (FEED Pvt. Ltd)