Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolis Provides Housing Insurance Payout to Flood Victim

Banke. Last year's continuous rainfall in August destroyed the house of Uttam Singh Panjabi, a resident of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City-7. His family was under immense stress after the house they had built with years of hard work was damaged.

"I still get scared remembering that night. Continuous rain damaged parts of the house. All family members escaped and saved our lives," Panjabi said, recalling the past, "The biggest worry was for the small children. On top of that, there was the concern of how to arrange finances to rebuild the house. I couldn't sleep for many days."

Due to their weak financial condition, there was no possibility of repairing the house immediately, but the housing insurance program implemented by Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City became a boon for him. Under the insurance taken through the National Insurance Company, Panjabi's house has been rebuilt after receiving a claim payment of Rs 232,900.

Remembering the moment he became emotional when Mayor Prashant Bisht handed over the check as the first beneficiary, he said, "Initially, I wondered why housing insurance was necessary, but after the house was destroyed, I realized the importance of insurance. Now, because of that insurance, I have a roof over my head. The housing insurance program is a great support for poor and low-income families during times of disaster."

Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City has implemented a housing insurance program in Wards No. 3 and 7 for disaster risk reduction. Under the program targeted at at-risk families, 184 families have joined so far.

Mayor Bisht said that the housing insurance program, implemented with the objective of creating a security base before a disaster strikes rather than distributing relief after it occurs, is proving effective. "We don't know when a disaster will strike, but we can prepare in advance to reduce its impact. The insurance program started with that thought is becoming effective," he said.

Mayor Bisht informed that the program, which started in two wards, has now been expanded to Wards No. 8 and 11, and there are plans to include at-risk families from all wards in the future. Inspired by this program initiated by Nepalgunj, Narainapur Rural Municipality, Kohalpur Municipality, and Khajura Rural Municipality are preparing to implement it from this financial year.

Disaster Contact Person Dipendra Shrestha said that the housing insurance program has increased awareness about disasters in the community and has helped in post-disaster rehabilitation. "Earlier, citizens considered insurance a hassle, but now that they are receiving benefits, trust is growing in the community," he said, "Inspired by this, other local levels are also preparing to implement the program. This is a good sign."

Here, the insurance premium is borne by the Sub-Metropolitan City, and there is a provision to provide up to Rs 1.5 million to the insured according to the extent of the damage.

According to locals, in recent years, incidents of continuous rainfall, flooding, and windstorms have been increasing. Families living in weak structures are more affected by this. In such a situation, the housing insurance program is expected to provide assistance.

For this, the Disaster Preparedness and Management Super Program being implemented here is providing technical cooperation. The program, operated with the financial support of the European Union and in partnership with various organizations including UNDP, is coordinating with Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City to conduct disaster risk reduction activities.