Recognizing the importance of understanding physical vulnerability in such urban settings, UNDP in past studied physical vulnerabilities with the development and use of Rapid Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) tools for earthquake vulnerability assessment of the building, including development of smart tool for collection of structural and functional data using android application. Further to this, statistical model for seismic vulnerability assessment has also been developed and tested in core urban areas of Kathmandu metropolitan city, it has already been implemented in Urban DP-2019 Action in the 6 wards of 3 municipalities-Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Bharatpur Metropolitan City and Bhimeshwor Municipality; and under SUPER phase I, 6 wards of 3 municipalities – Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city, Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city and Amargadhi municipality. Like the above-mentioned assessment using existing tools and software, the proposed assignment also aims to identify commercial buildings/ community infrastructures and conduct study of 2000 buildings in 19 wards of Dhangadhi Sub Metropolitan City that are high risk to multiple hazards (earthquake and fire). Structural assessment using basic parameters for seismic resilience of the building along with use of GIS data layers to identify study area, buildings footprints in polygon and point, road in line, open space in polygon, river in line, and important landmarks in point will be carried out.
From the cadre of local champions, municipal representatives, institutions etc. those with desired technical background. needs to be trained and mobilized under Municipal lead for data collection using RVA. The outputs from RVA will be then overlaid in web GIS maps, identifying structures either at risk or posing risk to surrounding buildings, along with areas with accessibility issues. Similarly, community infrastructures (water supplies, fire brigade, hospitals, open spaces, schools) along with places where impact of disaster could be amplified will be mapped (schools, petrol stations, storages of inflammable materials, LPG depots / dealers, public and mass assembly spaces).
Digital champions need to be mobilized to collect data on critical infrastructure and public buildings, connectivity, primary role of this activity is to help understand risk through participatory and scientific approach so that it can be prioritized and responded to accordingly, built on a strong foundation for evidence-based advocacy in encouraging municipal investments for improving infrastructure and formulation of risk informed policies. Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city can formulate informed policies and implement necessary measures to address risks posed to or posed by facilities assessed if belonging to private sector, eg: fuel depots/ schools/ hospitals/ petrol pumps. For government owned facilities, these measures could be incorporated into their own plans and budgets.