Nepal Earthquake 2015 - Review of surge practices
The aim of this tracking mechanism, set up as part of the Start Network Transforming Surge Capacity Project, is to highlight changes to surge practices by examining instances of surge deployment by the 11 operational consortium members in the course of the project.
Surge capacity measures how quickly and effectively this surge of temporary aid can be brought to a disaster zone, and how smoothly it can be scaled down again afterwards.
Key findings:
- The surge response was shaped by the severity of the disaster, combined with poverty, poor infrastructure and a difficult policy environment.
- National and regional staff played a key role in the surge response. Citizens, local businesses and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were the first to respond, and were later largely replaced by international mechanisms and actors. Internal rosters and standing teams helped mobilise staff for the Nepal response rapidly, with eight out of 11 agencies deploying within 24 hours.
- Collaboration among surge actors was shaped by the nature of the disaster and the government’s requirement for international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) to work through local partners. A high proportion (70%) of agencies worked mainly in collaboration with others, ranging from local partners, village development committees, government authorities and other INGOs.
- Challenges in the response included finding expert staff and qualified Nepali staff, difficulties in procurement resulting from a lack of infrastructure and changing government import policies, and ensuring inclusivity in the response through the participation of local NGOs and women’s needs.
The report also identifies best practices, lessons learned and innovations in the fields of information management, humanitarian communication, collaboration, materials and staff set-up.
Read more about the Transforming Surge Capacity project.
The Transforming Surge Capacity project is led by ActionAid and backed by 11 partners including: Action Contre le Faim, Christian Aid, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, CARE, International Medical Corps, Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid, Plan International, Save the Children and Tearfund.