Background
International Organization for Migration (IOM) had assigned SW Nepal Pvt. Ltd. (Scott Wilson Nepal/SWN) to assess the vulnerability of Gaidabaj area of Mahabu Rural Municipality (RM) in Dailekh to lightning strikes the and to design and recommend the appropriate mitigation measures to reduce lightning risks and avoid human fatalities. This assignment included an assessment to identify vulnerabilities, evaluate risks, and recommend strategies for reducing lightning hazards in the area to mitigate the identified risks and improve community safety. This assignment was carried out under the ‘Strengthening Institutional Knowledge and Capacity of Provincial and Local Governments to Embark on Disaster Risk Management Actions and Implementation (SIKAI)’ project that seeks to strengthen overall disaster governance and management through increased preparedness in coordination with all three spheres of the federalized governments.
Objective of the Assignment
The specific objectives of the assignment were to:
- Identify the specific and underlying causes of lightning risk factors in the Mahabu RM, Ward No. 4;
- Assess the vulnerability of infrastructure, including residential buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities, to lightning strikes;
- Evaluate the effectiveness of existing lightning protection measures (if any);
- Develop comprehensive recommendations and strategies to reduce lightning risks in the Gaidabaj area of Mahabu RM-4 and develop and share the enhancement of community awareness and preparedness regarding lightning safety measures.
Key Activities and Service Provided by SWN
SWN had undertaken the following activities:
- Conducting field surveys and data collection to identify lightning risk factors;
- Assessing the vulnerability of key infrastructure to lightning strikes;
- Reviewing existing lightning protection measures and their adequacy;
- Engaging with local stakeholders, including community members, local authorities, and relevant experts;
- Developing a comprehensive report outlining findings, recommendations, and proposed strategies for lightning risk reduction;
- Present the findings and detail design to the Mahabu RM and IOM
Outputs
Detailed Project Report with methodology, findings, recommendations including detailed designs for lightning protection systems that includes design, bills of quantities (BoQ) and cost estimate for installation for community and a model design for household-level lightning protection.
