Abstract
This study is one of the components of the UNDP-sponsored "Participatory Disaster Management Programme" implemented by ICIMOD. The study aims at hazard and risk mapping of seven Village Development Committees (VDCs) and one municipality in four districts of Nepal: Oraste and Bahakot from Syangja, Kyamin and Risti from Tanahun, Bhandara and Kathar from Chitwan, and Gulariya municipality and Padnaha VDC from Bardia district. Physiographically, the VDCs of Syangja and Tanahun district lie in the middle mountain region and that of Chitwan and Bardia lie in inner Terai and Terai respectively. The study is primarily based on available maps, aerial photos, imageries, and other secondary sources of information. Visual interpretation and relevant digital image-processing techniques were used to generate information from aerial photos and digital imageries. In addition, detailed field surveys were carried out to verify and update the information obtained from maps, aerial photos, and imageries. The Geographic Information System technology was the main tool used for data input, analysis, and hazard and risk mapping.

Abstract
This study is based on recalled data collected from the field and covers only seven VDCs and one municipality. It is very difficult to generalize the results based on such a small sample size. Therefore, the findings mentioned above are indicative and needs further refinement both on the technique used for comparison and the results obtained.