Heavy rains on October 4-5, 2025, caused severe flooding in Durga Bhagwati Municipality of Rautahat District, Nepal, inundating homes and the municipal hospital. Among those affected were pregnant women in need of maternal health services. In response, the local government, supported by humanitarian agencies, swiftly established a temporary maternity unit providing emergency delivery care to 21 women. This incident reflects a broader pattern, as floods and landslides triggered by the same rainfall impacted 30,000 families across Bagmati, Madhesh, and Koshi provinces.

Nepal faces frequent natural disasters that significantly affect its population and economy. Between 2018 and 2024, the country experienced 32,375 disaster events, resulting in 2,996 fatalities, including 1,278 men and 1,678 women, according to the 2024 Nepal Disaster Report. The data highlights that women tend to suffer disproportionately. However, vulnerability extends beyond gender, encompassing children, the elderly, people with illnesses or disabilities, Dalits, the landless, and economically disadvantaged groups. Socio-cultural norms and economic inequalities exacerbate these vulnerabilities.

Definitions of vulnerability emphasize the physical, social, economic, and environmental factors that increase susceptibility to hazards. Women, for example, often face enlarged disaster risks due to caregiving responsibilities that limit their mobility, exposure to physical and sexual harassment in shelters, restricted access to vital information and resources, and the loss of livelihoods. Children risk injury, malnutrition, psychological trauma, and educational disruption during disasters. Similarly, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those with health conditions confront challenges in evacuation and continuity of medical care. Marginalized communities, such as Dalits and indigenous populations, often reside in high-risk zones lacking access to safe housing and social protection, and they are disproportionately excluded from disaster planning and relief distribution.

Nepal's disaster management framework is governed by legislation and policies including the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (2017), accompanying rules, and national policy frameworks aimed at inclusive planning prioritizing vulnerable groups. Despite these provisions, implementation at the local level remains inconsistent. For instance, early warning communications frequently fail to accommodate individuals with disabilities or language minorities, and emergency shelters often lack privacy, secure sanitation, and accessibility features such as ramps. These shortcomings underscore a persisting one-size-fits-all approach to disaster preparedness and response.

Experts urge a shift toward a vulnerability-centered approach in disaster risk reduction to address varied needs equitably. Strengthening sex, age, and disability disaggregated data (SADDD) collection and accessibility through existing platforms like the Bipad and Disaster Risk Reduction Portals could enhance targeted interventions. Local Disaster and Climate Resilience Plans (LDCRPs), already developed in many municipalities, require regular updates and greater emphasis on risk assessment and vulnerable groups.

Inclusive early warning systems must be delivered in multiple languages and accessible formats, and evacuation plans should consider mobility limitations faced by pregnant women, the elderly, the sick, and persons with disabilities. Emergency shelters need to ensure safe, private, and accessible water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.

Meaningful representation of women and marginalized groups in disaster governance is critical, yet these populations are often excluded or tokenized in decision-making processes. Creating safe, enabling environments for their participation can improve disaster preparedness and recovery by incorporating their lived experiences and knowledge.

With climate change, urbanization, and unregulated development increasing the frequency and intensity of disasters, Nepal faces growing human and economic risks. Beyond infrastructure strengthening, fostering inclusive governance and tailored risk reduction strategies is essential to protect vulnerable communities and promote resilience. Building a disaster-resilient society inclusive of all groups remains a key national priority.