About the event
We are collaborating with the European Union Humanitarian Aid-funded Pratibaddha 2 project, led by People in Need (PIN) Nepal, to improve and localise forecast-based action for disasters in select municipalities of Bagmati province, Nepal. We are in the process of signing a letter of intent with PIN Nepal to pilot our SERVIR-HKH science applications for disaster preparedness, especially around floods, landslides and high-impact weather events.
As part of this process, we are organising this training on using SERVIR-HKH science applications and Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) rainfall forecasts for disaster preparedness in Nepal. During the training, we will gather feedback on the science applications being developed and forecast-based action protocols for landslides.
Objectives
- Strengthen partnerships with provincial and local governments to improve and localise flood and landslide early warning systems in the province
- Provide training on the application of DHM led rainfall forecasts and gather feedback on forecast-based action protocol for landslides.
- Provide an introduction to SERVIR-HKH flood and weather forecasting applications
- Gather feedback on the science applications for further customisation and enhancement
Expected outcomes
Upon completing the training, the participants will better understand SERVIR-HKH science applications and their use during disasters like floods, high-impact winds, lightning strikes, heavy rainfall, hail, and other weather events. The participants will be oriented on the application of DHM led rainfall forecasts on forecast-based action protocols for landslides.
We also expect the participants to be able to transfer the acquired knowledge to other users/partners as required.
Expected participants
Nominated disaster risk reduction focal persons and information technology focal persons from four municipalities in Bagmati Province, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) officials, other relevant stakeholders from the province, and the District Emergency Operation Centres in Sindhupalchowk and Rasuwa districts are expected to join the training.
Participation requisites
Each participant should have a laptop with Windows 10 or higher operating system for the training. A good understanding of English is also required as all resource materials will be in the English medium.
We will deliver most of the training lectures in Nepali but may need to use English for some specific terms.
Resource persons
ICIMOD
Bikram Shakya, Geospatial Application Development Analyst
Manish Shrestha, Hydrologist
Rajesh Shrestha, Admin Assistant–SERVIR-HKH
Utsav Maden, Communications Officer
Pratibaddha 2
Chetan Khadka, Forecast-based Action (FbA) coordinator, Pratibaddha 2, PIN
Dinanath Bhandari, DRR Expert Consultant, Pratibaddha 2
Santosh Panthee, Pratibaddha 2, SWN
Shalik Ram Ghimire, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, Pratibaddha 2, PIN
Background
Effective disaster risk reduction and resilience strategies ensure that relevant actors can anticipate adverse events before they occur and take proactive actions to alleviate consequences. Recognising the need to enhance such capability in the region, our SERVIR-HKH Initiative collaborates with the SERVIR Applied Sciences Team to develop science applications that assist in forecasting high-impact weather events, flash floods, and riverine floods in river networks in the HKH region. These applications provide information which significantly improves current deterministic forecasting systems and is more reliable and actionable. These applications are maintained on an open-access web portal for public use and feedback, and we regularly engage relevant stakeholders in capacity development activities.
We are working with Pratibaddha 2 project on establishing a collaborative mechanism to leverage the strengths of both institutions and connect our satellite- and model-based forecasts with the Pratibaddha 2 team, which has a local presence and networks among vulnerable communities. Pratibaddha 2 could help disseminate the forecasts through its existing networks, using its local presence to reach vulnerable communities and ensure that they know potential risks and can take appropriate actions.
