Strengthening Flood Resilience through Cross Border Early Warning Systems - India, Nepal

This activity has implemented a community-based flood early warning system in the Terai Belt on the Karnali river system, located on the Indo-Nepal border. To address the concerns arising from incessant floods triggered by climate change, this activity generates reliable data on fluctuating water levels to inform communities of any danger.

Fast facts:

This activity addresses cross border flood resilience through ICT;
45 communities have established community based early warning centers.

The problem

The Himalayan region along the Terai areas in India and Nepal is considered highly vulnerable due to recurrent flash flooding and high seismic activity. The increasing incidence and severity of floods is attributed to the accelerated glacial melt due to climate change in the large Himalayan glaciers. In time, this will have serious consequences on the river systems and the riverine communities, with long-term impacts for biodiversity, people and livelihoods as well as trans boundary understanding on water resources management.

The solution

This activity captures data right at the upstream via digital river monitoring systems powered by solar panels. Digital readings are forwarded to the Nepal hydrology and metrology departments via the Internet. The data is then crosschecked with warnings generated by government agencies both in India and Nepal. The system is equipped with an alert alarm system, which gets activated as soon as water levels become dangerous. The data is disseminated via SMS to people living in these areas and appropriate measures are taken by timely evacuation and safeguarding the assets of the people.

Helping the planet

This activity contributes to climate change adaptation in the region through policy advice and the provision of advice on using and conserving public goods, such as water and forests, and on agricultural production in the region. This activity also trains at the government and community levels and raises awareness about climate change.

Helping people

The communities were involved right from the start of the project through participatory vulnerability and capacity analysis leading to the development of community specific action plans. The activity generates a sense of empowerment for vulnerable communities and women through project activities like planning meetings, leading preparedness drives and action planning.

Scaling Up

This activity can be quickly and effectively taken to scale. In addition, the technical and advisory agreements with The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia, Practical Action Nepal and other sector experts would be used to strengthen the activities by reaching more beneficiaries.