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
Naxa
Technical Partner
Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction
Projects Timeline
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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
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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
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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)
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World Vision International Nepal
Development of Participatory Disaster Risk Assessment Tool (PDRA) for household-level vulnerability ranking and data management
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World Bank (Data for Innovation Grant), Technical Partner for Practical Action
Development of Web Based Risk Assessment Platform
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DanChurchAid (DCA) Nepal (joint collaboration with Koshi Victim Society (KVS)
Development of a digital system to assist shock responsive social security system decision making
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DanChurchAid (DCA) Nepal
Development of Web-Based Vulnerability And Capacity Assessment (VCA) Tool
Awards & Recognitions
Clients and Partners
