Multi-hazard early warning to cost over Rs 81 billion

KATHMANDU, MAY 20: It is estimated that the cost of promoting the multi-hazard early warning system will be around Rs 81 billion 40 million and 80 thousand (US$ 614 million). This cost is necessary to implement the government’s strategy to integrate the system with the goal of minimizing potential property loss due to various disasters and making the early warning system effective.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has stated that preparations are underway to organize the multi-disaster early warning system, with a preliminary estimate exceeding Rs 81 billion for its update. According to the Authority, the goal is to provide early warnings for future disasters and enhance response capacity to reduce potential risks.

Despite the development of early warning systems in Nepal for floods and landslides, there is no provision for early warning of other natural disasters. For the first time, the government is preparing to enhance disaster response capacity by installing an early warning system for multiple disaster scenarios. Anil Pokharel, the executive head of the Authority, has informed that the estimated cost for the next seven years is Rs 81 billion.

“After developing flood forecasting in Nepal, we have multiple examples of saving lives and preventing property loss. However, effective systems for prior information about natural disasters such as landslides, lightning, forest fires, floods, cold waves, avalanches, windstorms, hailstorms, and air pollution have not been developed,” he said. “Since property loss is increasing due to these disasters, we aim to develop an early warning system to reduce possible damage from such events. Discussions are being held with relevant stakeholders to develop a multi-disaster early warning system to reduce human and economic losses caused by all kinds of disasters.”

The NDRRMA chief also informed that the information collected from the multi-source system will be provided in the local language to be understood by the general public.

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