Context, culture, and cordons: The feasibility of post-earthquake cordons learned through a case study in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Abstract

Increasingly, post-earthquake cordons (PECs) have been used to support response and recovery activities around the world. However, thus far, the empirical analysis of cordons has not considered the overarching feasibility of their use. This research aims to fill this gap through a case study of Kathmandu Valley following the 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal. It draws on a broader study that has investigated various aspects of cordons in New Zealand and Italy. In total, 13 interviews were conducted in the Nepali language with relevant experts of varying backgrounds and expertise such as academics, disaster management officers, policymakers, municipality representatives, and practitioners (INGO). The interviews were semi-structured and conducted through purposive and snowball sampling. The data was translated, transcribed, and then coded into NVivo software which was then analyzed inductively through an iterative thematic process.

The findings of this research demonstrate the importance of context in understanding PECs and their implications on disaster response and recovery. For cordons to be feasible, many factors such as resource challenges (physical, economic, and human) and provisions for temporary housing, welfare, access to essential services, security, and availability of alternative transportation routes are essential. In addition, legislative frameworks, trust in government institutions, and cultural nuances need to be taken into consideration if PECs are to be feasible as a disaster response and recovery strategy.