A Recurring Tragedy in a Locked-Down Town
Nepal was in the midst of a nationwide lockdown when a massive fire broke out in the Phungling bazaar of Taplejung district on the night of May 1, 2020. While fire brigade, security forces, and local people worked together to control the inferno, it still reduced seven houses to ashes before dawn. Shockingly, this was not the first time Phungling has been burned down; there have been as many as 11 massive fire incidents in the last 17 years alone.
The Core Question: Why Does This Keep Happening?
The alarming frequency of these events—roughly one massive fire every 18 months—prompted a critical question: why is Phungling bazaar so uniquely vulnerable? To effectively communicate disaster risks and prevent future tragedies, PARC investigated the causes of the latest fire by adopting an exploratory research method.
Investigative Approach and Insights
The purpose of the study was to comprehend the frequent occurrences of fire incidents in Phungling and identify the necessary policy measures and on-site actions to mitigate fire risks. To do this, PARC employed a methodology involving secondary data collection, data analysis, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), technical analysis, and direct observation of settlement types, housing structures, road conditions, and the state of the fire brigade.
A Multi-Stakeholder Investigation
KIIs were conducted with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local elected representatives, community members, firefighters, security officers, and local businesses. The landscape of Phungling, including its housing structures and road conditions, was observed and analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the area's vulnerability. This in-depth examination forms the basis for creating evidence-based advocacy tools to promote risk reduction, preparedness, and effective response in similar hill towns across Nepal.
