The lack of effective disaster preparedness disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including women, elders, and marginalised groups in mountain regions. The cascading effects of environmental changes in the Himalayas, such as altered water flows and glacial melting, extend beyond the mountains, impacting downstream societies and economies. Delayed recovery and inadequate warnings exacerbate the loss of lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Without improved community-centred systems, the risks of future disasters remain high, with potential for significant regional and transboundary impacts.