Disaster Preparedness, Rescue and Relief programs and Practices of Armed Police Force, Nepal

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.2 Statement of problem
1.3 Objectives of the study
1.4 Significance of the study
1.5Organization of the study

CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Understanding Disaster
2.2 Conceptualizing disaster preparedness
2.3 Rescue and relief during disaster
2.4 Theories on disaster preparedness

CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research design
3.2 Nature and sources of data
3.3 The universe, samples and Sampling Procedure
3.4 Procedures of data collection
3.5 Key informants
3.6 Methods of data collection
3.6.1 Key informants interview
3.6.2 Direct Observation
3.7 Data analysis procedure
3.8 Limitations of the study
3.9 Ethical considerations

CHAPTER FOUR
Armed Police Force: Disaster Preparedness and Rescue Practices
4.1 Introduction of Armed Police force, Nepal
4.1.1 Ethos of APF, Nepal 23
4.1.2 Mission of APF, Nepal 24
4.1.3 Motto
4.2 Development of APF Nepal as an independent security organization of Nepal
4.3 Roles of Armed Police Force, Nepal
4.4 Institutional structure of Nepal APF
4.5 Brigades and Training Centers of Nepal APF
4.6 Role of APF in Disaster Management
4.7 Armed Police Force Nepal in Pre-disaster functions
4.7.1 Planning and Policy Formulation
4.7.1.1 Armed Police Force Disaster Management Plan
4.7.2 Training and Deployment
4.7.3 Information collection and dissemination
4.7.4 Coordination
4.7.5 Management of Rescue Equipments
4.7.6 Public Awareness
4.7.7 Identification of Risky Areas
4.7.8 Practice/Simulation
4.7.9 Storage of Relief Materials
4.8 Role of APF Nepal during the disaster
4.8.1 Search and Rescue
4.8.2 Security
4.8.3 Establishment of Command Post
4.8.4 Rescue of victims
4.8.5 Management of Debris
4.8.6 First Aid
4.8.7 Security of public and property
4.8.8 Information gathering/ Situation analysis
4.8.9 Coordination
4.8.10 Coordination between concerned authorities
4.8.11 Dead body management
4.8.12 Restoration of road and bridges
4.9 Role of APF Nepal in Post disaster activities
4.9.1 Rescue of victims
4.9.2 Patrolling/ Security
4.8.9 Coordination
4.9.3 Information collection
4.9.4 Assistance in rehabilitation and reconstruction
4.9.5 Security and relief distribution
4.9.6 Management of Collapsed Structure
4.9.7 Management of Risky physical structures
4.9.8 Camp management and coordination
4.10 Institutional development of APF Nepal for disaster management
4.11 Capacity of APF Nepal in disaster management
4.12 Details of Deep Tube Well for providing pure drinking water to the public
4.13 Details of Rescue Equipments available with Nepal APF
4.14 Disaster Management Training Center Kurintaar
4.15 Deep Divers of APF Nepal
4.16 Challenges faced
4.17 Future plans of APF Nepal in Disaster management

CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion

REFERENCES

Annexes

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This is the thesis prepared for the fulfillment of partial fulfillment of Masters Of Arts in Sociology from Tribhuvan University. There are a lot of people who provided their valuable support in the course of preparation of this dissertation. First of all I would like to extend my deep thanks to Associate Prof. Dr. Tika Ram Gautam, Central Department of Sociology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu for providing proper guidance during the preparation of this thesis. This thesis would not be ready without your supervision sir. Again I would like to thank DySP Nawaraj Tamang, head of DMC, Insp. Sudip Regmi, ASI Diwakar Adhikari and the entire team of Disaster Management Conferance, Armed Police Headquarters, Halchowk for their extreme effort in providing data needed for the study.

I would like to thank all the key informants and Diwakar sir for providing details about disaster related programs. I would like my colleagues of APF schools and Staffs of APF school reception Mr. Nani Ram Guragain for providing additional data needed for the research. At last I would like to thank all the respondents, helpers, collegues and all those related to this research.

Santosh Budhathoki

May 31, 2019

ABBREVIATIONS

NEOC= National Emergency Operation Center

REOC= Regional Emergency Operation Center

LEOC= Local Emergency Operation Center

DEOC= District Emergency Operation Center

APF= Armed Police Force

AIG= Additional Inspector General

DIG= Deputy Inspector General

SSP= Senior Superintended of Police

SP= Superintended of Police

DySP= Deputy Superintended of Police

Insp = Inspector

SI= Sub-Inspector

ASI= Assistant Sub-Inspector

SHC= Senior Head Constable

HC= Head Constable

AHC= Assistant Head Constable

Cons = Constable

CSSR = Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue

MFR = Medical First Responder

ICS = Incident Command System

LIST OF TABLES

Table no.1: Number of participants in Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction Program of APF Nepal

Tableno.2: Places and area rescued by CSSR team of APF during Gorkha Earthquake

Tableno.3 Places and area rescued by CSSR team of APF during Gorkha Earthquake

Tableno.4 Details of rescue works conducted by APF in the year 2075 and 76

Tableno.5 Details of debris cleared by APF during Gorkha Earthquake

Table no. 6 Details of dead body managed APF during Gorkha Earthquake

Tableno.7 Details of heavy equipments available with APF

LIST OF PICTURES

Picture no.1: His Majesty the King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah handing over Armed Police Force, Nepal Color and emblem of Bagalamukhi Bhagwati

Picture no.2: His Majesty the King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah inaugurating Armed Police Force, Nepal Headquarters

Picture no.3 RO Plant for pure drinking water during disaster at No.22 Battalion Duwakot Bhaktapur

Picture no.4 Deep Tube Well for pure drinking water during disaster at No.20 Battalion Sinamangal

Picture no. 5 Come along

Picture no.6 Hydrae bottle

Picture no.7 Concrete Power Cutter

Picture no.8 Concrete Power Cutter Electric

Picture no.9 S-11600

LIST OF FIGURES

Fig.1: Flowchart showing research design

Fig no.2: Development of APF, Nepal as an independent security organization

Figure: 3 Emergency Centers of Nepal

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Nepal is a small country with typical landscape divided into Mountain, Hills and Terai. It is situated in the lap of Himalayas towards north and faces towards plain lands of India towards south. Due to its location, it is prone to high risk of various disasters like Earthquake, Flood, Landslides, Glacier Lake Outburst (GLOF), Storm, hurricane, avalanche, hailstone, epidemics, etc. The Home Ministry of Nepal published A report named "Disaster Risk Reduction in Nepal: Achievements, Challenges and Ways Forward" in the year 2016 stated that, "combined effect of high relief and rugged topography with steep slopes, high seismicity and highly concentrated monsoon rainfall has made Nepal’s fragile environment prone to varieties of hazards and disasters. Nepal stands at the top 20th most disaster prone countries in the world. The country ranks 4th, 11th and 30th in terms of climate change, earthquake and flood risk respectively" (MoHA, 2016). This statement supports the evidence that Nepal is highly prone to disaster. It means Nepal should be prepared to act during the emergency of disaster in order to save life and property of its citizens.

The United Nation International strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR, Terminology- UNISDR, 2017) defines disaster as," A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society at any scale due to hazardous events interacting with conditions of exposure, vulnerability and capacity, leading to one or more of the following: human, material, economic and environmental losses and impacts." From the definition we can understand the disaster as any of the activities which occurs in the nature as a result of natural or human activities which cause heavy loss of life and property, deteriorates developmental activities, destroy infrastructures and leaves negative impacts on environment. Mainly there are two types of disasters; they are natural disasters and man – made disasters. Some of the disasters are caused due to natural causes and over exploitation of natural resources by humans which are called natural disasters and some are caused purely by human activities which are called man-made disasters. The disasters like Earthquake, flood, landslide, GLOF, etc fall under Natural disasters and Nuclear power plant blast, Biological weapons, harmful radiation, explosions, etc come under man-made disasters.

Nepal is highly risked with multiple hazards like earthquakes, flood, landslide, fires, heat waves, cold waves, thunder lightening, wind storms, hailstorms, drought, and many more due to its variable landscape, geo-climatic conditions, environmental degradation, unplanned settlement and rapid population growth. Various environmental and human induced disasters have been found repeating time and again with greater intensity and frequency which has been leading casualty of thousands of human lives and destruction of physical property worth billions of rupees for histories (MoHA, 2015). The given statement supports the fact that Nepal is highly risked from disasters and we have to be prepared to face it. We have experienced various types of disasters in the past and have been found repeating time and again.

In general sense, disaster preparedness means the programs and processes which are aimed to mitigate the effects of a disaster by preventing the loss of life and property. It refers to the pre-disaster activities which are conducted in the disaster prone areas to mitigate its impacts and respond quickly and effectively. According to a report prepared by IFRCC (2000), disaster preparedness is defined as," Disaster preparedness refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of disasters. That is, to predict and - where possible - prevent disasters, mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations, and respond to and effectively cope with their consequences, at local, national and international levels. Disaster preparedness is a continuous and integrated process resulting from a wide range of risk reduction activities and resources rather than from a distinct sectoral activity by itself". From this definition we can conclude that disaster preparedness is the act of being prepared to face the disaster by reducing its effects on human life and property. It is not possible to stop natural disaster but we can reduce its effects by adopting various scientific means of mitigation and control from the knowledge of national and international experiences. It requires the training of local community, mass education to the training of volunteers and up to the policy formulation. It requires the contributions of many different areas - ranging from training and logistics, to health care, recovery, livelihood to institutional development." Disaster preparedness is achieved partially through readiness measures that expedite disaster response, rehabilitation and recovery and result in rapid, timely and targeted assistance. It is also achieved through community-based approaches and activities that build the capacities of people and communities to cope with and minimize the effects of a disaster on their lives" (Armed Police Day special publication, 2013). It is important to mention that disaster preparedness is a combined effort of community, government and non-government organizations, international community as well as experts. It is not possible by individual effort only." There are different stakeholders of preparedness programs. It includes local community, possible affected victims, local government, NGOs and INGOs, national and international donors, Government, Security organizations, etc. It includes various processes such as educating community, training the volunteers, updating disasters warning and evacuation system, capacity building of volunteers and rescue workers, and preparing policy for effective mitigation of the disaster" (Armed Police Day special publication, 2013) . " Disaster preparedness must be supported by public education campaigns, training of response teams and rehearsals of emergency response scenarios. The aim of public awareness and education programmes is to promote an informed, alert and self-reliant community, capable of playing its full part in support of and in co-operation with government officials and others responsible for disaster management activities. An essential part of a disaster preparedness plan is the education of those who may be threatened by a disaster. Although television, radio and printed media will never replace the impact of direct instruction, sensitively designed and projected messages can provide a useful supplement to the overall process" (IFRC, 2000). This statement shows the importance of mass media and public awareness on the disaster preparedness and mitigation process. It is absolutely necessary to educate and train the targeted community.

From sociological perspective, "disaster is a consequence of hazard, which is closely related with risk. It depends on the potential economic, social, political and environment management of the community and the government" (Rai, 2018). In the same way, disaster preparedness means the investment of money, human capital and knowledge for disaster risk reduction programs from the society or government. From sociological perspective, "disaster and disaster preparedness is socially phenomena. It is not any phenomena and it doesn't make similar impacts for all the people. In any of the heterogeneous society, disaster's impact and preparedness process is not same. Young children, old people, sick people, pregnant women or mother of newly born baby, persons with disability can't face disaster as a normal adult young people. So disaster preparedness programs should be different for them. Similarly, impact of same natural disaster faced by so-called low-caste and high caste people, economically rich and poor, home owners and renter face it differently" (Rai,2018). So disaster is socially constructed phenomenon so is disaster preparedness programs.

In the general sense, relief programs are the series of immediate activities which are carried after the disaster. Once after the disaster strikes, there is need of immediate, abrupt and effective system of relief to rescue the victims, providing first aid to the people and helping those who have gone through trauma and faced huge loss of life and property. That system of actions is known as disaster relief actions. Ministry of Home Affairs Nepal in the book "terminology on Disaster Risk Reduction" has defined response and relief as "the provision of emergency services and public assistance during or immediately after a disaster in order to save lives, reduce health impacts, ensure public safety and meet the basic subsistence needs of the people affected" (MoHA,2015). It means that response and relief programs are the actions carried after the disaster which aims to save victims from health hazards providing medical facilities, food, shelter, clean drinking water, etc. During the disaster, there exists traumatic situation with negative impacts on human health and property. So there is need of series of actions as reaction in order to save life and reduce the damage which is relief. It may be distribution of temporary shelter, management of first aid to victims, management of clean drinking water and dry foods, etc. According to New World Encyclopedia, the word disaster relief is defined as, "Any emergency management is the continuous process by which all individuals, groups, and communities manage hazards in an effort to avoid or limit the impact of disasters resulting from the hazards" (New World Encyclopedia). From the above definition, we can understand that disaster relief refers to the actions performed after any disaster strikes which aim to rescue the wounded, providing medical assistance and consolidating the community. This phase can also be called as the first wave actions during disaster or disaster response. "The disaster response includes the mobilization of the necessary emergency services and first responders in the disaster area. This is likely to include a first wave of core emergency services, such as firefighters, police, and ambulance crews" (IFRC, 2000). They may be supported by a number of secondary emergency services, such as specialist rescue teams. There is great role of security organizations such as Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force in the rescue and relief actions and has been proved during different disasters like Gorkha Earthquake 2072 and Rautahat Tornado 2075.

Nepal Armed Police Force (Nepal APF) is a paramilitary land force tasked with counter-insurgency operations in Nepal. It functions as a semi-military wing, and occupies a sort of dual role as both military and law enforcement. In February 1996, the ideologically Maoist Communist Party of Nepal operating as the United People's Front of Nepal initiated what was then dubbed the "People's War". Ensuing armed resistance and criminal activity escalating from the conflict motivated King Gyanendra to consider amassing an independent police force. Subsequently, the Armed Police Force was founded on 24 October 2001. Along with peacekeeping and security operations, Nepal APF is also specialized and functional towards disaster preparedness and relief actions. So this research has been conducted to understand the disaster preparedness status and process of relief programs of Nepal Armed Police Force from sociological perspective which will help theoretically as well as empirically.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

As we have already discussed that Nepal is one of the most vulnerable countries for disaster. In the disaster response and relief actions, different volunteers, government staffs, community rescue workers, NGOs and INGOs as well as local people is necessary. Among them the roles of security forces like Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Nepal APF are also one of the most important ones. They have been performing actions in co-ordination with government and different stakeholders. Their works has been documented to lesser extent due to lack of access to public or various other reasons. Although the works of Nepal Army and Nepal Police has been found studied and documented, Nepal APF as the youngest security organization of Nepal Government has not been studied. There is lack of literature regarding the topic. So this topic was chosen for the study.

This research has three research questions based on the objectives of the study. The first question was aimed to understand and analyze disaster management programs and relief practices of Nepal APF. The second question was aimed to examine the trends and ways how Nepal APF practices disaster preparedness. Similarly, third question was aimed to understand the process of rescue and relief practices of Nepal APF. The study had helped to find out the answers of following questions:

- What are the disaster preparedness and relief programs/ practices of Nepal APF?
- In what ways Nepal APF is practicing post disaster rescue operations?
- How does Nepal APF operate relief programs after a disaster?

1.3 Objectives of the study

The general objective of study was to access the disaster preparedness and relief practices of Nepal APF. The specific objectives of the study were as follows:

- To examine the status of disaster preparedness and relief practices of Nepal APF.
- To analyze the process of post disaster rescue and relief operations of Nepal APF.

1.4 Significance of the study

The study has its own relevancy and significance. On one hand, the study helps to understand the status of disaster preparedness programs of Nepal APF both from general and sociological perspective. On the other hand, it helps to understand the history of disaster responses and the process of rescue and relief operations of Nepal APF in detail. Nepal APF is the youngest security organization of Nepal. There were no any studies conducted regarding this matter at Nepal APF from sociological perspective till date. So the study helps to fulfill the research gap from sociological perspective in this topic for the future. This document also helps to find out the works done by Nepal APF in the field of disasters.

This study attempts to measure disaster preparedness policies and practices of Nepal APF, in broader context and in the changing situation. This study contributes to fulfill the research gap in the field of disaster preparedness of Nepalese security organization in the academia of social science. In the field of disaster management, this research acts as one of the few sources of literature which helps to understand the policy and process of disaster management from the side of Nepal APF. Along with that, this study also helps to prepare and review the existing policies of disaster management and also provides base for checking them.

1.6 Organization of the study

This research consists of five chapters, references of cited documents and annexes at last. This thesis proceeds with legal letter of recommendation, approval letter, declaration, etc. The first chapter of the thesis is introduction which consists of background, statement of problem, research objectives, significance of the study, rational of the study respectively. This chapter attempts to define the topic in general and from sociological perspective. The second chapter consists of literature review which attempts to review theoretical and empirical review of various literatures related to disaster preparedness and rescue/ relief programs. The parts of this chapter are understanding disaster, conceptualizing disaster preparedness, rescue and relief during disaster and theories on disaster preparedness. The third chapter deals with research methodology which describes research design, nature and sources of data, the universe, samples and sampling procedure, procedure of data collection, key informants, methods of data collection, data analysis procedure, limitations of the study and ethical considerations. Chapter four explains the findings of the dissertation and attempts to describe and explain the data collected during this research. The findings are based on the two objectives listed in the first chapter. The analysis has been made and the findings are described in the form of paragraphs, charts, tables, list, etc following descriptive method. Chapter five explains the summary of the findings, conclusion of the research and recommendations. This last chapter summarizes the findings of this research. At the end of this dissertation, full references of cited documents, key informants checklist and photographs of rescue actions, etc are shown in annexes.

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Understanding Disaster

A disaster is a phenomenon that puts humans in a potentially dangerous and disadvantageous position. "Disasters, in fact, are the natural or human induced processes or events with the potential to inflict heavy loss to human lives and affect their welfare. These may be drastic geophysical events, biological processes and major technological accidents that pose unforeseen risk to mankind. Disaster may categorized as rapid or slow, depending upon whether it is short lived or long in space and time. Nevertheless, no matter what a disaster is, its prediction, monitoring and its impact after it has occurred needs to be assessed for taking remedial measures for the future" (Husain, 2006). It means that disasters can be natural or may be caused as a consequence of human beings. It may be slow or fast. It may be related to geographical events or biological processes or technological accidents. But in fact, its monitoring, study or prediction and mitigation of its impacts must be carried on.

In the book "Terminology on Disaster risk reduction (2015)" a disaster is defined as," a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources". A disaster disturbs the smooth functioning of any society or a community. It disturbs human aspect, material life, economical and environmental aspects of any society where it occurs. It also depletes the capacity of any society to use its own resources. "Disasters are often described as a result of the combination of: the exposure to a hazard; the conditions of vulnerability that are at present; and insufficient capacity or measures to reduce or cope with the potential negative consequences. Disaster impacts may include loss of life, injury, disease and other negative effects on human physical, mental and social well-being, together with damage to property, destruction of assets, loss of services, social and economic disruption and environmental degradation" (MoHA, 2015). Disasters are the result of combination of three points i.e hazard, vulnerability and inability to reduce its impacts. It causes huge loss of life, property, infrastructures of development, outbreak of epidemic diseases. Finally it affects the physical, mental and social well-being of a human being.

There were different concepts on defining the term disaster based on the time and situation. The term disaster was first perceived as 'Act of God' or supernatural power especially in ancient times. By the enlightenment and secularism movement and innovation of science this paradigm shifted to 'Act of Nature' and finally with different ecological, anti-capitalist and right based movement, this paradigm again shifted and replaced by 'Act of Man and Women' (Ferudi, 2007). When people categorize disaster as natural and man made, the current trend of social science emphasized all disasters as social rather than natural. The United Nation International strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR, Terminology- UNISDR, 2017) defines disaster as," A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society at any scale due to hazardous events interacting with conditions of exposure, vulnerability and capacity, leading to one or more of the following: human, material, economic and environmental losses and impacts." According to IFRC a disaster can be defined as," A disaster is an extreme disruption of the functioning of a society that causes widespread human, material, or environmental losses that exceed the ability of the affected society to cope using only its own resources. Events such as earthquakes, floods, and cyclones, by themselves, are not considered disasters. Rather, they become disasters when they adversely and seriously affect human life, livelihoods and property".

Nepal is exposed to a variety of natural hazards and human induced disasters. More than 80 percent of the total population of Nepal is at risk from natural hazards, such as floods, landslides, windstorms, hailstorms, fires, earthquakes and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Disaster dataset maintained by MoHA in its archives records disaster loss and damage data for a total of 16 kinds of active disasters in Nepal. They are: asinapani (heavy rainfall with hailstones), avalanche, boat capsize, cold wave, drowning, earthquake, epidemic, fire, flood, heavy rainfall, high altitude, landslide, lightning, snow storm, wind storm. This well illustrates Nepal’s vulnerability to multiple hazards. According to the MoHA dataset, out of those 16 disasters, 13 types of disasters were recorded during the last two years with a total number of 2,940 disaster events. Of the total disaster events, incidents of fire are the highest in number, followed by incidents of lightning, landslide, flood and heavy rainfall. In terms of death, disappearance as well as human injuries, earthquakes caused the most loss. For example, during 2015 and 2016, a total of 9,708 human deaths were recorded as a result of different disasters, out of which the mega Earthquake of 2015 alone claimed 8,970 lives which makes 92% of the total death trolls (MoHA 2016).

2.2 Conceptualizing Disaster Preparedness

Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal has defined preparedness as, " the knowledge and capacities developed by governments, professional response and recovery organizations, communities and individuals to effectively anticipate, respond to, and recover from, the impacts of likely, imminent or current hazard events or conditions" (MoHA, 2015). Disaster preparedness is the knowledge and capacity to face, mitigate, respond and recover from the impacts of possible disasters. It helps people to be safe from risks during disasters and help people to recover and rehabilitate after the disaster. " Reduction in impact of disaster on the victims is the end result of preparedness" (Husain 2006). Disaster happens suddenly and abruptly that we may not have time to think and act. So we have to be prepared in advance from all the angles. The ultimate goal of disaster preparedness is to reduce the impacts of disasters on its victims. Those activities of being prepared to be safe during a disaster are known as disaster preparedness. " Disaster preparedness refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of disasters. That is, to predict and—where possible—prevent them, mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations, and respond to and effectively cope with their consequences. Disaster preparedness is best viewed from a broad perspective and is more appropriately conceived of as a goal, rather than as a specialized program or stage that immediately precedes disaster response" (IFRC, 2000). Disaster preparedness means the ways to reduce the impacts of disaster vulnerabilities. It should not only be understood as the programs related to disaster response but should be understood as the holistic phenomenon of response, recovery and rehabilitation.

"Preparedness action is carried out within the context of disaster risk management and aims to build the capacities needed to effectively manage all types of emergencies and achieve orderly transitions from response through sustained recovery. Preparedness is based on a sound analysis of disaster risks and good linkages with early warning systems, and includes such activities as contingency planning, stockpiling of equipments and supplies, the development of arrangements for the coordination, evacuation and public information, and associated training and field exercises. These must be supported by formal institutional, legal and budgetary capacities. The related term "readiness" describes the ability to quickly and appropriately respond when required" (MoHA, 2015). Disaster preparedness manages to build the capacities related to management of emergency services and achieve effective recovery. It needs the proper analysis of disaster risks, effective early warning system, contingency planning, storage of food and equipments, etc. It also means effective implementation of training and flow of public information.

According to Ahmad Huasin (2006), "for disaster preparedness capacity building programs are necessary. Under capacity building programs, organizational as well as training programs are essential. These can be achieved by:

- Preparing task force and assigning them special responsibility.
- Taking expert service in training volunteers on first aid, search and rescue.
- Taking support of district or local administration in keeping food stock and other basic amenities before the seasonal (flood or cyclones).
- Preparing a clear plan reaching to the most vulnerable.
- Discussing with the government as regards their counter disaster mitigation plan.
- Proper preparation for advance action before the season not before the disaster." (Husain,2006)

These points suggest the ideas about how we can be prepared for a disaster. It argues about being prepared before the season not the disaster. "During and after United Nations International Decades for natural Disaster" (1987) said that," the disaster paradigm has shifted from post-disaster relief and rescue to pre-disaster mitigation and preparedness." UNISDR (2009) defined disaster preparedness as," the knowledge and capacities developed by governments, respond to and recovery organizations, communities and individuals to effectively anticipate, respond to and recover from the impacts likely, imminent or current disasters and preparedness action is carried out within the context disaster risk management and aims to build the capacities needed to effectively manage all types of emergencies and achieve orderly transitions from response to sustained recovery, based on sound analysis of disaster risks and good linkages with early warning systems, and includes such activities as contingency planning, the stockpiling of equipment and supplies, the development of arrangements for co-ordination, evacuation and public information, and associated training and field exercises." Disaster preparedness and response are not solely the work of experts and emergency responders from National Societies and government disaster organizations. Local volunteers, citizens, organizations and businesses have an active and important role to play before, during and after major emergencies and disasters. From the above definitions, we can conclude that preparedness is for the public safety and protection of human lives in due time. Well preparedness can save life, reduce economic loss; reduce trauma and disruption in society.

2.3 Rescue and relief during Disaster

Disaster preparedness planning includes the process of predicting the risk of the hazards like flood, earthquake, hurricane, fire, spill, etc. and possible impacts of the events to human life, property and the environment. The further important process is the part of response, rescue and relief distribution. "Where prevention and preparedness are the necessary prerequisites of a well articulated and institutionalized strategy, post disaster relief, rescue, recovery and rehabilitation and sustainable development are equally critical in ensuring viable disaster risk reduction and management" (Delinic & Pandey, 2012). It means that rescue, recovery, rehabilitation and sustainability are also other important parts of disaster management. Without effective disaster response and relief, the disaster preparedness is incomplete and ineffective. Disaster response is composed of mainly two actions i.e disaster rescue and response. Disaster response is defined as "the provision of emergency services and public assistance during or immediately after a disaster in order to save lives, reduce health impacts, ensure public safety and meet the basic subsistence needs of the people affected" (MoHA, 2015). According to "Terminology on Disaster Risk Reduction" by Ministry of Home Affairs (2015), has further explained about disaster relief as," disaster response is predominantly focused on immediate and short-term needs and is sometimes called "disaster relief". The division between this response stage and the subsequent recovery stage is not clear-cut. Some response actions, such as the supply of temporary housing and water supplies, may extend well into the recovery stage". So the process of rescue and relief includes immediate response actions including distribution of temporary shelters, supply of clean drinking water and food, first aid services, etc. The process may be short or may extend up to the stage of recovery. But the key point of relief program is to save the life of victims during emergency period by providing them the basic needs for life.

Relief refers to the provision of essential, appropriate and timely humanitarian assistance to those affected by a disaster, based on an initial rapid assessment of needs and designed to contribute effectively and speedily to their early recovery. It consists of the delivery of a specific quantity and quality of goods to a quantified group of beneficiaries, according to selection criteria that identify actual needs and the groups that are least able to provide them for themselves" (IFRC, 2017). In this context, disaster relief can be defined as the essential, appropriate and timely humanitarian assistance to the victims affected by the disaster. This activity of relief helps in the effective and early recovery from the disaster. It consists of the goods delivered to the victims in the right quantity and quality which meets the actual needs of the victims.

"The term disaster relief refers to the first stage response to any calamity, which include for examples such as setting up control rooms, putting the contingency plan in action, issue warning, action for evacuation, taking people to safer areas, rendering medical aid to the needy etc., simultaneously rendering relief to the homeless, food, drinking water, clothing etc. to the needy, restoration of communication, disbursement of assistance in cash or kind. The emergency relief activities undertaken during and immediately following a disaster, which includes immediate relief, rescue, and the damage needs assessment and debris clearance" (MoHA India, 2007). So from this, we can say that disaster relief is the emergency act during and immediately after the disaster.

In Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2019), the term rescue is defined as " to free from confinement, danger, or evil : SAVE, DELIVER". "A moment reflection is all that is needed to realize that any situation requiring a rescue operation, by definition is one which contains either dangerous or potentially dangerous elements" ( GRM, 2001). During the situation of potential threat and danger, the work of rescue occurs. Both rescuer and victims face the same situation but the difference is that the rescuer is able to cope with the situation. According to Australian Emergency Manual Series (2006),"The aim of rescue is to save life and minimize further injury to people and damage to property.

Functions Common rescue functions are to:

a. access, and support and remove, trapped people in the course of rescue operations
b. assist with the recovery of the dead, and
c. provide support on request to other services, authorities or specialist teams. (AEMS, 2006)

The given points explain about the general functions of rescue which includes support and remove trapped people, find the missing and trapped victims, assist to recovery of the dead, provide support to the recovery teams, provide first aid and emergency services, etc.

2.4 Theories on Disaster Preparedness

A theory is a set of interrelated propositions that allow for the systematization of knowledge, explanation and prediction of social life and the generation of new research hypotheses. There are different theories on disaster preparedness. One among them is social-cognitive perspective. It explains that "the components of social-cognitive model describe the reasoning process that raises additional issues regarding the conceptualization and assessment of adjustment items" (Panton 2003).

"There are 20 major theories on disaster management. Some of them are interrelated enough. So, it is convenient to rearrange these theories with the basis of similarity. The summary of major theories are: Sustainable Development Theory, Emergency Management Theory, System Theory, Policy Making Theory, Networking & Management Theory" (Dhanshiri, 2017). Sustainable Development Theory: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Emergency management theory suggests that," When a disaster occurs in this time lack of Perception, Proper training in rescue team and mind set the organizations to cooperation each other creates the vulnerability level increases". System Theory is basically based on social perspectives like our culture, norms, values, customs, and institutional practice. Policy making theory emphasizes on the formation of effective policies and Networking theory emphasizes on building networks for emergency management (Dhanshiri, 2017).

The theory of planned behavior states that "Disaster preparedness is defined as actions that ensure resources necessary to carry out an effective response are available before a disaster. Disaster preparedness requires a thorough understanding of the factors that influence performance or nonperformance of disaster preparedness behaviors" (Najafi,2017). According to this theory, the act of disaster preparedness requires the detailed understanding of behaviors that may influence the process of preparedness or non preparedness. "According to many studies conducted on disaster preparedness, several factors affecting preparedness include: critical awareness, risk perception, preparedness perception, self-efficacy, collective efficacy, locus of control, fatalism, anxiety, previous disaster experience, societal norms, sense of community, community participation and empowerment, optimistic and normalization biases, social trust, perceived responsibility, responsibility towards others, coping style and available resources. Several theoretical frameworks can be employed in attempts to deal with behaviors that reduce the risk of natural disasters including: Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), Person Relative to Event Theory (PrE), Protective Action Decision Model (PADM), Social-Cognitive Preparation Model and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The theory of planned behavior can be directly applied in the domain of disaster risk reduction." (Najafi, 2017). In this context, behavioral factors like societal norms, perceived responsibility, anxiety, experiences etc all play vital role in disaster preparedness. So human behaviors should be considered during the process of disaster preparedness.

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research design

The study has been based on mostly qualitative and very few quantitative data both collected by me and extensive review of literatures and the documents provided by Nepal APF headquarters and conclusions was derived from that. This research was derived through both descriptive and explanatory ways. First of all, on the basis of my interest I’ve chosen the topic “Disasters preparedness and relief programs of Nepal APF” for the study. The main reason for choosing the topic is that I am the part of the organization and no study has been conducted in such topic. Various literatures related to the topic were studied. For that, I’ve used internet, library, and various documents and reports provided by APF. The data was collected from various primary and secondary sources only. The data collection techniques were qualitative. Qualitative data collection tools like direct observation and Key informants interview. After that data was analyzed and processed for the preparation of result. At last conclusion and recommendations were identified in consultation with research guide and experts from Nepal APF.

For the ethical consideration, various permissions required for the study were taken verbally or in written form as per the requirement of Nepal APF. The method of explanation is descriptive method with the use of appropriate maps, tables, charts, bar graphs and other relevant figures from different sources.

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Fig.1: Flowchart showing research design

Based in the research questions, I have searched the answers of what are the disaster preparedness and relief program practices of Nepal APF?, In what ways Nepal APF is practicing post disaster rescue operations?, and How does Nepal APF operate relief programs after a disaster? In for answering the first question, I had visited Nepal APF headquarter, Department of Disaster Management and Disaster Management Training Center, Kurintaar. I have collected documents related to official administrative structure, policy documents, history of rescue and relief works and the programs under operation.

I had collected data related to different activities performed by Nepal APF. Some of them are role of APF prior to, during and after the disaster, institutional structure and development process of APF in disaster management, capacity of APF in search and rescue process, rescue activities performed by APF in the different cases like road accidents, fire, flood and landslide, plane crash, paragliding , GLOF, river and lake drowning, Storm and wind, etc. along with these, I had collected the data related to community based disaster management program of APF and equipments for disaster response with APF Headquarter. In the process, experience of disaster response and relief was shared with different rescue workers. During the field visit, I had personally collected photographs of rescue process.

For the fulfillment of required data, I had collected the data related to role of APF prior to, during and post disaster, institutional structure and development of Nepal APF, history of rescue and relief actions carried out by Nepal APF in the past and in the year 2075 BS from the Department of Disaster Management at Nepal APF Headquarters. I had obtained the data related to capacity of Nepal APF in disaster Management, Community based disaster management program and equipments for disaster response with Nepal APF from Disaster Management Training Center, Kurintaar. Similarly I had collected the experience of disaster rescue and relief from questionnaire, interview, group discussions and key informants interview with respondents and key informants. At last, I had collected the pictures of disaster rescue and relief activities from field visit directly.

3.2 Nature and Sources of data

The research is based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected from questionnaire schedule and interviews with rescue workers of Nepal APF. The secondary data were collected from Nepal APF Headquarters, Disaster preparedness and relief department which were extensively reviewed. Different sources like published articles, reports, etc were reviewed during the process. The other sources like Library, Newspaper and Websites were also used to a maximum level.

3.3 The universe, samples and Sampling Procedure

The universe of the study was whole Nepal APF family which includes 36000 members. Among them, there are 25 (twenty five) deep divers in DMTC, five staffs including the department head in Disaster Management Division in Nepal APF Headquarters. Among those 25 trained deep diver rescue workers, five of them were selected for the key informants interview and questionnaire. The sampling technique was purposive sampling in the beginning followed by lottery system which is a type of probability sampling. Besides that, SSP Pradhan as the head of training center, DySP Tamang as the head of the department and Insp. Sudip Regmi as the resource person for data collection were interviewed for data collection.

According to Sing (2015) in his book” Understanding Research Methodology” has mentioned “In purposive sampling technique, the researcher deliberately or purposively selects certain units for the study from the population. The choice of the selection is supreme and nothing is left to chance.” Again in the same, he has explained probability sampling as, “Probability sampling is the sampling technique which every sample has equal chance of being selected as sample. Lottery system is one of the techniques of probability sampling”. This method of sampling is very useful in the qualitative research where study should be done in the specific targeted group. The purpose of the study was to find the data related to disaster preparedness and rescue actions of Nepal APF. So to fulfill this purpose, rescue workers from Disaster Management Department and Disaster Preparedness Training Center were chosen purposively. The samples were selected on the basis of reference provided by the department of Disaster Management at APF headquarters.

3.4 Procedures of data collection

The primary data was collected by the researcher himself by the direct observation in the field, interview and informal discussions with the rescue workers of Nepal APF. The researcher had consulted Dy.SP Nawaraj Tamang, Head of Disaster Management Department, Nepal APF Headquaters, Kathmandu and Senior Superintendent of Armed Police Force Mr. Kishor Pradhan, Head of Nepal APF Disaster Management Training Center, Kurintar, Chitwan for different primary and secondary data and field observation. Different NGOs and INGOs like Lumanti and DPNet were also consulted for secondary sources of data. Besides this, I had interviewed five rescue workers of DMTC Kurintar for primary data and visited the field for direct observation. The respondents of DMTC Kurintar were the trained disaster rescue workers who got training from Bangladesh with the help of UNDP. They are only trained deep divers in Nepal. Their age is between 25 to 40 years. The respondents were literate and nobody have studied above Plus two level. They were physically fit and perform rescue actions through out Nepal.

3.5 Key informants

The key informants in the study were five rescue workers out of 25 rescue workers of Disaster Management Training Center, Kurintaar. They were chosen purposively because they were only trained deep divers in APF and overall Nepal too. Purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of the respondents. They were chosen for the research because they have experienced the process and perform the rescue works and relief programs

3.6 Methods of data collection

The methods for the collection of primary data were as follows:

- Key Informants Interview
- Direct observation

3.6.1 Key informants interview

Interview with the key informants was taken to identify perception and attitude about disaster preparedness training, rescue and relief process. The interview was taken by me during the process.

"Interview may be regarded as a systematic method by which a person enters more or less imaginatively into the life of a comparative stranger. It is like a tape recorder in which the past incidences, feelings and reactions of the subject are played back to the living present to be listened by the interviewer with a scientific approach, always ready to find sequences of fundamental trails of human behavior underlying universal laws guiding and motivating human actions and reactions. The researcher tries to penetrate deeply in his imagination, into the circumstances being narrated by the subject and realize the full significance of the feelings being expressed by him" (Trivedi, 2007). So interview was conducted for the study.

The interview was conducted in order to find the information needed for the completion of the study and to fulfill the aim of this study. They were gathered in a round table with the help of their organization and one by one table talk was conducted. Besides the talk, they also filled the personal details and questionnaire forms and submitted for the analysis of data.

3.6.2 Direct observation

During the period of the study, I had visited the fields of disaster management training center and disaster site the observation of the process of post disaster response and relief actions. The digital photos and data in the written form were also taken as necessary. During the observation, the interview was also taken with the rescue workers.

In sociological research, direct observation is one of the major methods of data collection. So during the research, I have made various direct observations in order to see the rescue works and explore how were it conducted. I took the permission from the team commander and went with them in various accident spots to observe the processes.

3.7 Data analysis procedure

After the collection of data, proper analysis was done using qualitative method. Most of the qualitative information was interpreted in qualitative way using descriptive method. The report has been prepared in descriptive form. As per need, different charts, tables and graphs were also used for the representation of findings. At last, recommendations were made in consultation with research guide and expert from APF Headquarters.

3.8 Limitations of the study

Explaining about the limitation of the study, this research was only focused on disaster preparedness for post emergency rescue and relief programs. The other important aspects like mitigation, recovery, rehabilitation and resilience does not come under the arena of this research. This research only studied the status and procedure of disaster preparedness of a security organization. The generalizations made from this research may not be applicable to general public NGOs and INGOs, community workers, etc. Besides that, there are limitations in the data collection because being a security organization there is limited access to public data. Many process and procedure remains secret for public.

3.9 Ethical considerations

In sociological research, various ethical factors should be considered. The privacy of the organization and the information was maintained as per their code of conduct. Along with this, the ethical issues related to the code of conduct of Nepal Armed Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs of Nepal were also fully maintained. The information obtained has been transmitted without distorting.

Chapter four

Armed Police Force and Rescue and Relief Practices

4.1 Introduction of Armed Police force, Nepal

" Armed Police Force Nepal is a paramilitary land force tasked with counter-insurgency operations in Nepal" (Armed Police Force Act, 2001). It functions as a semi-military wing, and occupies a sort of dual role as both military and law enforcement. It was established according to Armed Police Force Act, 2058(2001). In February 1996, the ideologically Maoist Communist Party of Nepal operating as the United People's Front of Nepal initiated what was then dubbed the "People's War". Ensuing armed resistance and criminal activity escalating from the conflict motivated King Gyanendra to consider amassing an independent police force. Subsequently, the Armed Police Force was founded on 24 October 2001. Late Krishna Mohan Shrestha of the Nepal Police who was then serving as Additional Inspector General of Police was its first Chief.

The Armed Police Force was founded in 2001 to help Nepal's army and civil police force counter a growing Maoist insurgency in Nepal. It was fundamentally a paramilitary organization and mostly engaged in counterinsurgency operations. In August 2003, five constables of the Armed Police Force were killed in a military operation in the Ramechapp District of Nepal which killed 39 Maoist rebels. In January 2003, the head of the Armed Police Force Inspector General Krishna Mohan Shrestha was shot and killed by Maoist insurgents while taking his morning walk, alongside his bodyguard and wife who were also killed.

4.1.1 Ethos of APF, Nepal

The ethos of Nepal APF is, “The fundamental ethos of the APF, Nepal is “Any Task, Any Time, Any Place” and it’s preparedness to shed dew and blood to achieve its motto “Peace, Security, Commitment”.

The APF, Nepal in its initial years of service has been able to emerge as an elite paramilitary force that has excelled in distinction in counter insurgency and security service of the country.”

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