About

Our Story

After the 2015 Nepal Earthquake, NAXA shifted its focus to using digital technologies for disaster risk reduction. In 2018, NAXA partnered with DCA Nepal to create a unique digital application for decision-making in social protection systems. The application classified households based on their risk levels. This project led to the realization that an integrated system was needed to help local governments and organizations identify risks, conduct risk assessments and also carry out risk communication for effective early action before disasters. Similarly, Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction (IHRR) was established with a vision of promoting innovations and science based decision making in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. IHRR has been working closely with the partners in assessing the risk, developing thresholds and communicating risks. The collaborative approaches and joint initiative of NAXA-IHRR towards an integrated approach led towards the development of DASTAA. Thus, DASTAA was developed as an in-house initiative. DASTAA is a modular software application that allows organizations to assess risks, visualize data, and communicate. We have successfully implemented the tool for various disasters like floods, landslides, heat waves, and cold waves. Besides software development, we also seek research partnerships to improve the methodology. Since 2018, we have received national and international grants to support DASTAA's implementation and development.

Problem

Reactive approach

Most disaster risk management activities are reactive and often response centric, in Nepal.

Lack of integrated assessment

The most at risk population living amidst recurrent climate related shocks are often left out from suppo distribution due to inadequate assessments.

Ad-Hoc Decision Making

Disaster plans are often designed to address a paicular disaster or disaster event.

Gaps in risk communication

Lack of access to early or timely information about potential disaster event.

Solutions

Proactive Approach

Proposed solution will contribute towards a paradigm shift in adopting proactive approaches.

Integrated Platform

Integrated platform capable of Visualizing disaster risks, monitoring forecasts, and communicating risks for anticipatory actions.

Evidence Based Decision Making

Holistic approach to addressing the multifaceted nature of risk identification and early communication to support evidence based decision making processes.

Effective Risk Communication

Action based risk communication and early action messaging through interactive voice response (IVR) and Show Message Service (SMS)

Our Team

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Naxa
Technical Partner

NAXA is a Geo-ICT service provider company with expertise in the development of geospatial and technological solutions for local development problems and challenges. It works on the fusion of mapping and IT solutions helping data-driven decisions through technology transfer, contextualization/localization of digital technologies for diverse sectors including disaster risk management.

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Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction

IHRR is a research institute established with a vision of preparing risk-informed societies for disaster resilience and sustainable development. Complying with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), IHRR envisions to understand the risk and application of interdisciplinary knowledge with technologies to contribute to risk reduction and bridging of academic research with professionals and policymakers for sustainable development. IHRR has been working extensively to promote innovations and science-based decision-making in DR/M through the four major thematic areas: Research and Development, DRR/M consulting services, Disaster Academy, and Youth in DRRM.

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Projects Timeline

  • March 2022 Plan International Nepal , Hands Nepal

    Development of mobile application and a web based digital application  for carrying out Multi Hazard Risk Assessment of Schools from Marin Rural Municipality and Dudhauli Municipality of Sindhuli district

  • July 2022 Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (under CIC Grant), Danish Church Aid (DCA) Nepal

    Design and development of Household Level Risk Assessment Tool, a digital system for Evidence Based-Decision Support to plan effective Risk Financing Strategies

  • June 2022 Start Network, Plan International Nepal

    Development of a digital application for the optimal integration of gender-sensitive Community-based landslide early warning system (CBLEWS) and Household Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan (HDPRP)

  • March 2021 World Vision International Nepal

    Development of Participatory Disaster Risk Assessment Tool (PDRA) for household-level vulnerability ranking and data management

  • September 2020 World Bank (Data for Innovation Grant), Technical Partner for Practical Action

    Development of Web Based Risk Assessment Platform

  • November 2020 DanChurchAid (DCA) Nepal (joint collaboration with Koshi Victim Society (KVS)

    Development of a digital system to assist shock responsive social security system decision making

  • September 2018 DanChurchAid (DCA) Nepal

    Development of Web-Based  Vulnerability And Capacity Assessment (VCA) Tool

Clients and Partners