The main aim of this paper is to point out the flood disaster prone locations and document preventive and post disaster risk management measures that have been practiced in lower Karnali River Basin. GIS database map and field observation through participatory method of investigations delineated flood hazard zones in the basin for showing spatial inundation scenarios and discussed with community to know whether and how the flood inundation and river bank cutting disasters impact on community livelihoods. Different aspects of flood vulnerabilities of the Karnali River basin have been analyzed with the help of satellite image and community experiences of disaster-prone areas. Safe shelter areas were mapped with reference to such inundation/hazard and risk reduction strategies in the corridor of the Karnali River from Chisapani station to Khakaraula Ghat near the India border. Findings of the study revealed that there is high risk of flood hazard in the downstream region of the Karnali River. The spatial extent of inundation of flood inundation scenarios has showed socio-economic risks with the losses account of life as well as farm land, food production, properties. Study emphasized on rational human activities for reducing the impact of natural disasters and river management plan in the lower Karnali River Basin. To reduce the increasing trends of flood hazard and its vulnerabilities in the basin community people need to prepare and implementing plan of flood disaster management with adequate financial and technical supports of local, province and federal level governments. The findings of the study suggested policy and development strategies and efforts for the resettlement of communities near the river and effective land-use planning in the basin.

Keywords : Karnali River Bain, Flood Hazard, Livelihood Challenges, Science to Policy and Words to Action.