Nepal plans flood warning systems and glacial lake safeguards
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The Nepalese government plans to install flood warning systems across six river basins and stabilize several glacial lakes to protect communities from extreme weather.
The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation outlined these measures following floods on August 26 that killed roughly 1,500 people and left more than 5,000 missing. Authorities estimated the physical damage from that event at $1.81 billion.
To address the risks posed by melting glaciers in the Himalayas, the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Sanjeevani Project will aim to lower water levels in several lakes, including Thulagi Lake and Lumding Tsho. This project has a budget of $49.9 million and will run from 2026 to 2033. The Center for Hydrology and Water Resources Research will also establish early warning systems across six river basins between 2022 and 2028.
This program includes an investment of $7.54 million to provide flood forecasting during the monsoon season from mid-May to mid-October. Additionally, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology will use artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the accuracy of weather forecasts.
