Central for Applied Research and Development (CARD)
Pulchowk, Lalitpur
Pulchowk, Lalitpur
Background
Under the framework of the CREWS Accelerator project in Nepal, it is proposed to improve in-country response to multi-risk information and warnings through increased coordination between NMHSs and Disaster Risk Management authorities, and other relevant authorities at the sub-national and local levels and move towards translating and communicating hydromet impact-based warnings to vulnerable communities and enable early action measures. Under this proposal, Community-based Flood management (CBFM) approaches were proposed to be implemented in the areas of Kathmandu Valley where recent flooding occurred in September 2024 enhancing their self-help capabilities to the Hydro-Meteorological events including the development of early warning dissemination channels and improve end users’ response including gender mainstreaming.
Objective of the Inception workshop
More specifically, the workshop provided an opportunity to:
Duration and Participants
The one-day face-to-face workshop was held on 27th April 2025 in Hotel Himalaya with support from DHM and CARD. It was attended by the staff of national agencies (meteorology, hydrology, disaster management, environmental agencies etc.), representatives of district disaster management volunteers and sub-committee representatives from each of the targeted areas related to the project (check Annex1), including WMO representatives.
Opening ceremony
The workshop was opened with welcome words from the executive officer of NDRRMA, Deputy Director of the DHM, WMO representative and Director of CARD. Following the workshop official opening ceremony, a group photo was taken with everyone.
Workshop sessions
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Session 1: Introduction of the IFM concept and CBFM project in Nepal WMO representative Ramesh Tripathi gave a comprehensive presentation on the concept of the Integrated Flood Management and its application with good examples or practices to reduce losses due to flooding. Following the IFM presentation, Mr Tripathi provided short overview on the objective of CBFM and its activities to improve self-help capacities of the communities and local authorities to better prepare and respond to any flooding situations
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Q: Not all people live in the flood plains with their own will, there are land squatters as well who have difficult livelihood and no gain at all. How do you incorporate those people in this situation? A: It is not just economic approach but the gains and losses can be intangible as well. It’s a bit of a challenge. But, it’s a way to create awareness.
Q: What kind of program could local government launch to make people aware about the watershed management? A: The training guide allows you to select step by step process to help the policy makers take appropriate steps. Taking the whole basin is a good approach but also a challenging step. But this guide can be shared which would be helpful for managing flood. It’s a flood green guide, a nature-based solution from WWF.
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Session 2: WMO expert Mr Paolo Reggiani presented a case study from Germany mainly in strengthening the flood forecasting capacities through a project SWASH |
Q: For river systems with very short lead times before flooding, what strategies do you recommend? A: Deploy low-cost precipitation sensors and connect them to online platforms. These sensors can measure rainfall intensity in real-time, providing early indications of potential flooding. Q: You mentioned low-cost sensors. Could you clarify what kind they are? A: While “low-cost” is relative, the idea is to use sensors that are more affordable to operate and maintain. Routine maintenance of these systems is often more cost-effective than waiting for full replacement after damage. |
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Session 3: Multiple national partners or organizations presented their work on strengthening community preparedness and resilience in Nepal
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Session 4: Following multiple presentations and discussions, participants were divided in multiple groups to discuss and identify causes and impacts of flooding in Nepal |
4 groups were formed and based on the inputs, presentation was carried out by the rapporteurs. |
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Session 5: WMO requested participants to identify a pilot area to implement some of the key CBFM activities |
Participants jointly agreed to implement the identified activities |
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Session 6: Selection of the key CBFM activities to be implemented considering the availability of the budget |
The key activities agreed for the implementation of the CBFM project in the selected area are as below:
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Overall outputs of the Inception Workshop
The inception workshop successfully provided knowledge and awareness on the concept of Integrated flood management with case studies and good example of implementation which can be adapted and used in the context of Nepal. Also, the workshop provided an opportunity to discuss and agree on the key CBFM activities in the selected areas near to or within Kathmandu valley.
The agreed CBFM activities will be jointly implemented by WMO, DHM, CARD, local authorities and community representatives. This will ensure the ownership of the developed knowledge products and services by the participating stakeholders after the project period.
Workshop closing
The workshop was officially closed with thanks to all participants for their active participation and engagement in the discussions. It was informed that the workshop report will be prepared and shared with the participants within 14 days.
Some glipmses
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