As Bhutan is experiencing an increasing number of disasters related to hydro-meteorological hazards, the Department of Hydro-met Services under the Ministry of Economic Affairs has implemented the project, “Capacity Development of GLOF and Rainstorm Flood Forecasting and Early Warning”. It is being funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The Capacity Development of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and Rainstorm Flood Forecasting and Early Warning project aims to enhance capacity of the Department of Hydro-met Services and relevant agencies on emergencies.
“If you consider the Bhutan’s topography, the only available land we have for development, be it agriculture or infrastructure, are the river valleys,” said the JICA’s Project Manager, Karma Dupchu. He said it is important to inform people on time about the impending disasters. “This project will also build intuitional linkage not only with the Department of Disaster Management but also with other technical agencies”.
The expected outputs of the project are capacity biuidling of National Weather Flood Forecasting and Warning Center on GLOF, rainstorm flood risk assessment, and flood forecasting and warning. Emergency information sharing among relevant agencies and Early Warning System for GLOF/rainstorm in the pilot basins of Mangdechhu and Chanmkharchhu are also included.
The project will provide experts, equipment, and accessories required to set up the National Weather Flood Forecasting and Warning Center in Thimphu, and GLOF early warning system in Mangdechuu and Chamkharchhu basins.
As part of capacity development, the project will also provide training for implementing agency as well as collaborating agencies related early emergency response.
Most of the project support from the JICA will come in kind, in the form of experts and equipment. About Nu.90 million is allocated for the procurement of project equipment.
