Kathmandu: Stakeholders have emphasized the need for an early warning system to help reduce weather-related multi-disaster risk. At a consultation organized by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), various speakers stressed that an early warning system (EWS) is essential to minimize damage, as weather-related disasters have been increasing lately.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Director General of the Department, Kamal Ram Joshi, highlighted the necessity of early warning in a country like Nepal, which has a complex topography and is increasingly vulnerable to water and weather-related multi-disasters due to climate change. “An early warning system is necessary to minimize the human and economic losses that may occur from such disasters,” he stated.
Deputy Director General, Suman Kumar Regmi, noted that for the early warning system to be effective, it is crucial to enhance monitoring and forecasting capabilities. He also pointed out the need for resources, technology, infrastructure, institutional capacity, and service expansion in a timely manner to support the system’s functionality.
Joint Secretary of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Arjun Kumar Bam, asserted that a reliable early warning system will not only mitigate the impact of natural disasters but also play a significant role in safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of communities.
UNDP’s Climate Change and Resilience Program Analyst, Deepak KC, mentioned the Early Warning for All campaign, initiated by the United Nations, which aims to identify gaps in the EWS and determine necessary programs. This campaign seeks to ensure that all citizens worldwide are protected by early warning services by 2027.
Meteorologist Shanti Kandel added that the implementation of early warning systems has already reduced damage caused by floods in recent times and emphasized that such systems are also necessary for addressing other multi-hazards.