In the heart of Nepal, nestled between the towering Himalayan peaks and the vast, sprawling plains, lies a vibrant community of resilient individuals. We cherish our landscapes, our culture, and our shared history. Yet, for the residents living alongside our beautiful rivers, perched on hills susceptible to landslides, and within cities threatened by the looming spectre of earthquakes, these geographical blessings also pose significant risks.

I am one of those community members, and like many, I am deeply concerned about the current lack of preparedness in our municipalities. Natural disasters in Nepal are unpredictable and have devastating effects. In the face of these threats, we need robust measures to ensure the safety and resilience of all our citizens, especially the most vulnerable among us.

Statistics show that Nepal is highly susceptible to natural disasters. According to the World Bank, Nepal ranks 11th in the world for vulnerability to earthquakes and 30th for floods. Yet, despite this alarming reality, we are not adequately prepared. Establishing a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in each municipality could be a transformative step in improving our response and readiness.

CERTs are vital because they equip ordinary citizens with the skills needed to assist professionally during disasters until further help arrives. They offer crucial first aid, perform search and rescue operations, and help with evacuation and communication. When disasters strike, having trained community members ready to respond can save lives and prevent chaos.  The Heroes may be the ones that dive into the situation and save lives but we can becomes the ones that prevent further damage and Take care of the  ones that could become a victim if not cared on time.  Saving valuable time and managing the situation until professional help arrives.

The government’s upcoming annual budget allocations provide a perfect opportunity to set aside resources for this initiative. We urge the Ministry of Home Affairs and local municipal governments to prioritize establishing CERTs nationwide. This will not only protect lives but also empower our communities to become proactive agents in their safety.

Together, we can make Nepal safer for everyone. By signing this petition, you join us in sending a clear message to our leaders: it is time to act. Let’s work together to ensure that every community, no matter how remote, is equipped, empowered, and prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead. Sign this petition to establish at least one CERT in every municipality across Nepal.