Web-based Natural Dam-Burst Flood Hazard Assessment and ForeCasting SysTem (WeACT)

Organizers: ICIMOD, Loughborough University, Tribhuvan University, Newcastle University

About the workshop

We are organizing this workshop to disseminate findings from the WeACT (Web-based Natural Dam-Burst Flood Hazard Assessment and Forecasting System) project.

Furthermore, the GLOF Transboundary Working Group of the Koshi Disaster Risk Reduction Knowledge Hub (KDKH), under the leadership of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Authority (NDRRMA) in Nepal, has developed a standard methodology for identifying and prioritising potentially dangerous glacial lakes in Nepal. This workshop will also discuss the methodology and seek inputs and recommendations for its finalisation.

Objectives

• Disseminate project findings and outputs
• Demonstrate web-based tools on potential GLOF modelling and hazard assessment
• Finalise the standard methodology for identification and prioritization of potentially dangerous glacial lakes in Nepal

Background

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are one of the most serious natural hazards in populated mountain regions. Nepal has experienced numerous GLOF events which have claimed human lives and caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure. The high mountains in this region are experiencing higher temperature rise than the global average, which increases glacier melt, the number and size of glacial lakes, and ultimately GLOF risk. With the increasing development of roads, hydropower stations, and settlements along the river valleys, there is also greater exposure to GLOF risks. Therefore, it is imperative that there is increased national capacity to undertake awareness, early warning, and risk mitigation activities. There is also an urgent need to develop reliable hazard risk assessment, forecasting and warning tools to improve preparedness and build resilience at the community level. In this regard, ICIMOD has also developed a standardised methodology for GLOF hazard and risk assessment in the region.

The WeACT project explores the potential of the latest remote sensing and high-performance dam-break flood modelling technologies to develop an innovative web-based GLOF hazard assessment to improve community flood preparedness and resilience in Nepal. The project has been tested in one of the potentially dangerous glacial lakes in Nepal – Tsho Rolpa, which is located at 4550 masl in the Rolwaling valley of Dolakha district, Nepal.

In addition, the GLOF transboundary working group of Koshi Disaster Risk Reduction Knowledge Hub (KDKH), under the leadership of National Disaster Risk Reduction Authority (NDRRMA) in Nepal, has developed a standard methodology for identification and prioritization of potentially dangerous glacial lakes in Nepal. This workshop will also discuss the methodology and based on its recommendations and finalize it.

Rapporteurs:

Ms. Nirisha Adhikari, Tribhuvan University

Ms. Sadikshya Ghimire, Tribhuvan University

Mr Shivaang Sinha, Programme Officer, Koshi Basin Initiative, ICIMOD