Under the ‘Pratibaddha’ project, a weather forecast-based emergency response simulation exercise was conducted in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality, located in the Sindhupalchwok district from September 26^th to 29th. The simulation was organized by Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality in collaboration with People In Need (PIN), Save the Children, Scott Wilson Nepal, and the Community Self-Reliance Center. The exercise was conducted in coordination with the National Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the Meteorological Forecasting Division, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, and the Red Cross. During the simulation, 35 families from Ward No. 2 and 3 were relocated to a safe location.

The primary objective of this simulation was to evaluate the emergency response capabilities of the rural municipality, focusing on communication, coordination, and collective action during times of disaster. Additionally, the exercise aimed to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities to enhance the disaster management system, ultimately improving decision-making by simulating various disaster scenarios in communities prone to flash floods and landslides.

Following the simulation, efforts were made to ensure that the social protection system within the rural municipality was responsive to shocks. Prior to the exercise, weather forecast information was disseminated to the community through a variety of means, including mobile phone alerts, public speakers, display boards, and home-to-home visits conducted by the community-based disaster management committee.

During the simulation, disaster alert messages were sent, with a specific focus on sensitive populations and age groups, such as senior citizens, children, pregnant and lactating mothers. This was done by utilizing phone numbers and relevant data available in the government's database system.

The exercise played a crucial role in equipping local government entities, local disaster risk management committees, ward and community disaster management committees, volunteers, youth clubs, mother groups, Red Cross, and other relevant authorities with the necessary skills and information to effectively manage disaster risks. This simulation was of paramount importance, as it provided invaluable insights into the operational aspects of emergency response, timely alert dissemination, and effective coordination within the community. These elements are critical for ensuring the safety of the community during real disasters.

The Pratibaddha project, funded by EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, is dedicated to disaster preparedness and management programs at the community level in the Sindhupalchowk and Rasuwa districts of Nepal.