When the siren sounds, we stand as one; Binod Tharu's story.
Binod, lives in a village on the banks of the Karnali River, Bardiya, Nepal, with his family. The river is a life source for the village but it also challenges their livelihoods and can be a risk to people's lives during the Monsoon season.
“When dark clouds gather and the rain begins to fall, our hearts grow heavy with worry. We never know when the calm river that nurtures our fields might suddenly rise, threatening to wash away our homes, our memories, and our sense of peace.” Binrod explains.
In 2014, with ActionAid’s support, the community formed its Community Based Disaster Management Committee (CBDMC) with Binod as the secretary. Over time, the committee became like a second family, united by a shared mission to protect their people. Meeting monthly, they gather to plan, learn, and prepare. Together, they built four task forces: First Aid, Search and Rescue, Early Warning, and Women Volunteers involving all members of the community. What started as a small committee with outside support became a system owned entirely by the community. They trained themselves to map risks, conduct first aid and rescue operations, and use mobile sirens to alert their neighbours. During the monsoon, when three or four sirens sound, signalling “danger” the whole village moves together - mothers clutching children, fathers carrying food and documents, neighbors helping one another reach higher ground. Those moments are filled with fear, but also with a powerful sense of unity.
With the financial support of NPR 12,000 (about USD 90) from ActionAid, the CBDMC built an emergency fund to support the village during a crisis. Last year, when two families lost their homes to fire, the community stood together to support them. Using the emergency fund, which has an annual saving of NPR 60 (USD 0.42) for each household - they provided NPR 3,000 to 5,000 (USD 23–38) to each affected family allowing them to make a start to rebuild their lives.
Today, the CBDMC is officially recognised by Rajapur Municipality, one of 25 community disaster management committees in the area. For Binod, this is more than a title; it means the voices of people who live closest to the river, those who understand its rhythms, its dangers, and its gifts are now part of the decisions made about their own safety.
“When I stand by the river at sunset and watch the golden light dance on its surface, I think to myself: Yes, the river can destroy but it also unites us. And in that unity, I have found my greatest pride and purpose. Thank you ActionAid for the support to make my community safe.” Binod says smiling.
