DHM sending early SMS alerts to mitigate risks of floods

Published On: July 25, 2019 05:00 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

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KATHMANDU, July 25: Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has actively started sending SMS alerts to locals living in flood prone areas in an attempt to ensure safety from floods. Officials at the department said they sent SMS alerts to flood prone areas on Wednesday after assessing immediate risks.

As soon as the updates show any river crossing the warning or danger level, the alerts are sent to the nearby settlements.

According to hydrologist Sunil Pokharel at the Flood Forecasting Section of the Department of Hydrology and Metrology, they sent SMS alerts in Bardiya, Chitwan, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Parsa, Kapilvastu as soon as the rivers in the respective areas posed risks to the locals.

Meanwhile, the Flood Forecasting Bulletin issued by the department on Wednesday has warned of risks of floods with the increase in the level of water in different rivers and their tributaries in the tarai and Chure range.

According to the bulletin, the level of water in rivers like Koshi, Kamala, Bagmati, Narayani, Rapti (east and west) is likely to increase on Thursday. Likewise, the flow of water in the tributaries of Kankai, Kamala, Bagmati and Rapti have reached near the warning level.

The flow of water in Karnali and Mahakali rivers has remained moderate so far.

The department has also warned of risks of flash floods in rivers of the hill areas and Chure range in Illam, Jhapa, Morang, Dhangadhi, Sunsari, Sindhuli, Makwanpur, Nawalpur, Parasi, Chitwan, Parsa, Bara, Rupandehi, Palpa, Dang, Rolpa, and Salyan. Small rivers of provinces 1 and 2 could cause flash floods on Thursday, the department warned.

On Friday, the department has predicted flash floods in small rivers flowing through the Chure range and in tarai of provinces 1, 2, 3 and 5.

Hydrologist Pokharel anticipates the risks of flash floods in small rivers to be moderate on Thursday and Friday.

“With flood updates taking place every six hours, the department keeps an eye on the latest development and sends out early warning once the risk of flood in rivers is observed,” added Pokharel.

Along with the daily issuing of bulletin, the Flood Forecasting Section has disseminated prior information on risks of floods via a toll free number - 1155.