Bangladesh Launches Toolkit to Revolutionize Disaster Preparedness with Impact-Based Forecasting

RIMES Country Program Lead, Raihanul Haque Khan, addressed components of the Impact-Based Forecast Toolkit: Global Scenario and Bangladesh Perspective in Gressho Hall, Hotel Six Seasons, Gulshan 2 on 3rd June, 2025

04 June 2025 | Dhaka, Bangladesh – A pivotal national workshop on June 3, 2025, marked a significant step forward in Bangladesh’s efforts to build resilience against climate-induced disasters with the launch of an innovative Impact Forecasting Toolkit. Held at the Gressho Hall, Hotel Six Seasons, the event brought together key stakeholders to champion a shift from conventional weather prediction to understanding its direct consequences.

The workshop and toolkit launch were spearheaded by the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), in partnership with Action Against Hunger (ACF) and the STEP Consortium. This initiative is a core component of the “Strengthening Forecast-based Early Actions in Cyclone-Prone Coastal Regions in Bangladesh (STEP)” project, which receives support from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). The STEP project is implemented in collaboration with consortium partners Cordaid, Plan International Bangladesh, and United Purpose.

The day commenced with an insightful presentation by Raihanul Haque Khan, Country Program Lead at RIMES, titled “Towards Impact Forecasting: The Future of Forecasting.”  Khan detailed the toolkit’s methodology, emphasizing its capacity to connect hazard forecasts with vulnerability and exposure data. This approach aims to predict “what the weather will do,” rather than just “what it will be,” a crucial advancement for effective early warning and disaster preparedness.  He also noted that Impact Forecasting could pave the way for Future Forecasting. 

In his welcome address, Tapan Kumar Chakraborty, Deputy Country Director of Action Against Hunger, highlighted the economic benefits of proactive measures, stating, “Accurate and timely forecasts can save 16 taka in response costs for every 1 taka invested.”  He also affirmed the robustness and utility of the RIMES-developed toolkit. 

The Impact Forecasting Toolkit was formally inaugurated by Dr. Nurun Nahar, Additional Secretary of the Planning Division, who stressed the importance of building institutional capacity to scale and promote early action nationwide.

Voices from the Panel: Grounded, Bold, and Future-Focused

A dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Mohammad Akmal Shareef, Country Director of ACF, underscored the urgent need for systemic change, institutional ownership, and a human-centered design for early warning systems. 

Key insights from the panelists included:

• Dr. Anshul Agarwal, Lead South Asia Hydromet Forum Program at RIMES (joining virtually), presented international case studies from India, Sri Lanka, and Tamil Nadu, showcasing the real-world impact of Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF).  He emphasized the critical journey from data to knowledge to adaptation and advocated for a globally informed yet locally relevant approach. 

• Dr. Nurun Nahar, Additional Secretary, Planning Division, further emphasized the need to institutionalize IBF within national systems and development frameworks.  She called for converting technical information into usable knowledge for policymakers and communities and highlighted strengthening partnerships as a key success factor. 

• Md. Momenul Islam, Director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, called for “major investments in forecasting infrastructure, including supercomputing and artificial intelligence.”  He stated, “Early warning is the heart of disaster management,” and proposed a multi-sectoral platform with RIMES as a technical lead. 

• Anna Orlandini, Head of Office for ECHO Bangladesh, passionately declared, “IBF is not optional—it’s essential.” She stressed the necessity of reliable data, collaborative approaches, government leadership, and a unified vision among humanitarian donors, forecasters, users, and communities. 

• Ahmadul Haque, Additional Secretary and Director of the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), proposed a people-centered model of risk communication, suggesting training volunteers to localize forecasts down to the household level.  He also emphasized pilot programs, capacity development, and global partnerships for long-term sustainability.

Official Launch of the Impact Forecasting Toolkit

A central highlight of the event was the formal unveiling of the Impact Forecasting Toolkit following the panel discussion. Developed by RIMES under the STEP initiative, the toolkit offers a step-by-step methodology to aid practitioners, forecasters, and disaster managers in anticipating cyclone impacts and enabling proactive measures.  Panelists, including Raihanul Haque Khan (RIMES), Anna Orlandini (ECHO), Ahmadul Haque (CPP), Md. Momenul Islam (BMD), and Mohammad Akmal Shareef (ACF), held up printed copies of the toolkit, symbolizing a collective commitment to transforming Bangladesh’s early warning systems.

Achievements and the Path Forward

The workshop successfully featured a live demonstration of the toolkit, alongside presentations and open-floor dialogues, allowing participants to explore challenges and opportunities for operationalizing IBF across Bangladesh. 

Key themes that emerged from the discussions included: 

• Converting forecasts into tangible community action. 

• Prioritizing sector-specific forecasting. 

• Establishing a common platform for data sharing. 

• Integrating IBF into government planning and decision-making processes. 

• Creating an early action system that is people-first and informed by loss and damage. 

The event is expected to lead to increased awareness of IBF’s potential to revolutionize disaster preparedness, a strengthened commitment among stakeholders to institutionalize IBF, and valuable feedback for the toolkit’s broader deployment. 

In his closing remarks, Raihanul Haque Khan urged participants to keep communities at the center of all forecasting efforts. “Let’s develop systems that work for people—not just institutions. Let’s connect the dots and build a future where forecasting leads to protection, not just prediction,” he concluded.  The workshop wrapped up with an interactive discussion session and a vote of thanks by consortium representatives. 

The STEP initiative, funded by the European Union through ECHO, continues its mission to strengthen governance in disaster risk management and enhance the anticipatory capabilities of local institutions and communities in Bangladesh’s cyclone-prone regions.

The post Bangladesh Launches Toolkit to Revolutionize Disaster Preparedness with Impact-Based Forecasting appeared first on rimes.

From Science to Impact: Women Shaping Climate Resilience in South Asia

Hydrometeorology, the science of weather and water, is critical in a region where climate change amplifies the risks of extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and cyclones. Traditionally male-dominated, the field is witnessing a transformative wave of female professionals breaking the barriers into hydromet. 

Across South Asia, women professionals are not only breaking barriers but also driving meaningful change in climate services and early warning systems. This feature highlights the journeys of four remarkable women—Dr. Shiromani Jayawardena, Dr. Mandira Singh Shrestha, Puja Shakya, and Kousalya Kumar—who are leading efforts to strengthen climate resilience in the region. Their stories exemplify the vital role of women in translating science into action, ensuring that hydrometeorological advancements benefit communities at risk.

Pioneering Sri Lanka’s Meteorological Advancements

For over 25 years, Dr. Shiromani Jayawardena has been at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s meteorological advancements. Now an Advisor for Weather and Climate Services at SAHF, she has played a key role in developing climate forecasting systems and meteorological research.

“When I joined the Department of Meteorology in Sri Lanka, I knew little about the field. But as I delved deeper, I discovered a world of mysteries in weather and climate phenomena—it was challenging yet fascinating,” she recalls.

In 2013, she introduced seasonal forecasting to Sri Lanka’s Meteorological Department after attending the South Asian Climate Outlook Forum. By 2016, she collaborated with RIMES to develop climate projections using CMIP5 data, strengthening national climate resilience.

Her leadership extended beyond forecasting. As Deputy Director for Research and Climate Change (2015) and later as Director of the National Weather Center (2020), she led Sri Lanka’s meteorological operations through major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring accurate weather services during critical times. One of the notable achievements was the timely forecasting of Cyclonic Storm Burevi, which made landfall over Sri Lanka—an event of significance, as the country had not experienced a cyclone landfall in 20 years. This forecast earned recognition from both the government and media, enabling authorities to enhance disaster preparedness and implement timely preventive measures.

Despite these successes, Dr. Shiromani faced significant hurdles as one of only two female meteorologists in her department when she started. Over the years, she has witnessed a positive shift, with female representation in Sri Lanka’s meteorological workforce rising from 8% to 40%.

“Women bring unique skills to the field, particularly in translating scientific data into actionable information for last-mile communities. We empathize, communicate, and engage differently, making early warning systems more effective,” she emphasizes.

Bringing Science and People in Hydrology

A civil engineer by training, Dr. Mandira Singh Shrestha has dedicated her career to understanding and managing water resources, with expertise in hydrology, hydraulics, climate services, and disaster risk reduction. After working with ICIMOD until December 2024, she is now engaged with Water Centre 21 Pahal, a Nepal-based organization focused on water resource management.

As the only woman in a class of 120 during her undergraduate studies, Dr. Mandira navigated a male-dominated space with resilience. “I loved working with numbers, and my fascination with water led me to hydrology. Being the only woman didn’t discourage me—it pushed me to adapt and excel,” she shares. 

She strongly believes that more women should enter the field of hydrology and meteorology. Although the representation of women has improved since her college days, it remains low. She notes a positive shift, citing examples like Bhutan, where she witnessed an increase in women engineers over the years. She attributes this change to evolving mindsets and the creation of opportunities that encourage women’s participation.

Dr. Mandira has championed gender-inclusive approaches in disaster risk management. Her research at ICIMOD focused on integrating gender perspectives into early warning systems to ensure climate information reaches the most vulnerable—women, children, and marginalized communities.

“Disasters impact everyone. If early warning systems are to be truly effective, they must be inclusive. Women play a crucial role in ensuring this information reaches all sectors of society,” she asserts.

She encourages young women to pursue careers in hydrology and climate sciences, highlighting both professional growth and societal impact. “It’s a win-win career—where your work not only provides a livelihood but also helps protect communities.” 

Bridging Science and Community for Effective Early Warning Systems

Puja Shakya, RIMES’s Country Program Lead in Nepal, is at the forefront of strengthening early warning systems and disaster preparedness. Her expertise lies in impact forecasting, protocol development, and ensuring climate information translates into community-level action.

Puja Shakya addresses the Sindhupalchowk District Disaster Management Committee during the training on Protection against Lightning in 2024

“I work with diverse communities, so I have to be innovative. My role involves managing expectations across local governments, national meteorological agencies, and stakeholders. Every day, I think of new ways to improve project implementation and coordination,” Puja explains.

Her passion for early warning systems grew as she realized the critical role of weather forecasts in protecting lives and livelihoods. “I preferred working in the field over laboratories, and I knew I wanted to focus on disaster management and early warning systems,” she recounts.

Despite the underrepresentation of women in hydrometeorology, Puja highlights their crucial contributions. “The biggest challenge is ensuring that technical knowledge doesn’t remain confined to institutions but reaches the people who need it most. Women, especially, excel in bridging this gap, ensuring communities understand and act on forecasts.”

Her dedication to fostering collaboration among forecast producers and users continues to enhance Nepal’s disaster resilience, making early warning systems more inclusive and effective.

Managing Hydromet Progress Across South Asia

Unlike many who set out to build a career in hydrometeorology, Kousalya Kumar found herself in the field by chance—but stayed by choice. Initially she worked as a  project intern for the project, “Developing Capacities for Effective Climate Services Delivery in Bhutan”, at RIMES, where she now manages the South Asia Hydromet Forum (SAHF), an initiative aimed at enhancing hydrometeorological services in nine South Asian countries.

“I believe in the impact of SAHF. While we don’t always work directly in the field, hearing success stories—like how the Forecasters’ Forum helped an NMHS improve predictions during extreme weather—keeps me motivated,” she shares.

As a Program Manager, Kousalya oversees planning, resource management, and execution across five thematic areas: impact-based forecasting, numerical weather prediction, observation networks, capacity enhancement, and hydrology. 

“Getting to this point was quite difficult, especially working in South Asia as a woman. It takes double the effort to gain trust and prove that you can manage and lead in this field,” she acknowledges. “What helped me navigate this through are my managerial and interpersonal skills, being present, and having a lot of mentorships.”

She believes women bring invaluable skills to hydrometeorology, particularly in communication, networking, and innovation. “Hydromet can be highly technical and routine-driven, but women introduce creativity, new perspectives, and a stronger focus on behavioral aspects—how forecasts influence action.”

Paving the Way for Future Generations

The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), through initiatives like SAHF, is actively encouraging greater participation of women in the field. By fostering regional collaboration, capacity-building, and leadership opportunities, RIMES and SAHF are creating pathways for women to take on influential roles in hydrometeorology and disaster risk reduction.

Dr. Shiromani, Dr. Mandira, Puja, and Kousalya have each carved unique paths in hydrometeorology, yet their journeys converge in a shared commitment to advancing climate resilience and disaster preparedness in South Asia. Their leadership exemplifies the critical role of women in shaping climate science and underscores the need for diverse perspectives in tackling global challenges.

Their successes demonstrate that hydrometeorology is not just a technical field—it is a space where innovation, collaboration, and empathy drive meaningful change. For aspiring young professionals, especially women, the field offers abundant opportunities to contribute to both scientific progress and community well-being. As Dr. Mandira aptly put it, a career in hydrometeorology is a ‘win-win’—one that blends professional fulfillment with a lasting impact on society. #

The post From Science to Impact: Women Shaping Climate Resilience in South Asia appeared first on rimes.

The post World Tsunami Awareness Day 2024 appeared first on rimes.

CPP volunteers lead the evacuation of people living in the hazardous landslide-prone areas in Cox’s Bazar.

In the disaster-prone coastal region of Cox’s Bazar, local volunteers are the first line of defense against recurring hazards, from cyclones to landslides. Equipped not just with bravery, but with vital training in multi-hazard early warning systems, they stand between their communities and disaster, saving lives when every second counts. This story highlights the experiences of these volunteers, their challenges, and how new training initiatives are empowering them to take on even greater leadership roles in disaster preparedness.

(from left) Rahat, Md. Sahab Uddin, and Mohammad Sahjan share their experiences and challenges as volunteers with the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), highlighting the volunteers’ critical role in protecting their communities from natural disasters.

“I had always been curious about cyclones—how they form, where they come from, and what the warning signals mean. I wanted to protect my family and community from them,” shares Rahat, a volunteer and team leader with the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) in Cox’s Bazar. “So, when I learned about the Cyclone Preparedness Programme from a friend, I joined the team.”

Md. Sahab Uddin, a seasoned volunteer, vividly recalls the moment that set him on his path. In 1991, a devastating cyclone ravaged his community, leaving his family stranded and vulnerable. The chaos and helplessness he witnessed during that disaster left a deep impact on him. Now, 40 years old, his commitment to ensuring no family suffers as his did drives his work as a volunteer.

For many like Sahab and Rahat, their motivation is rooted in personal experience, but the respect and admiration they receive from their communities reinforce their dedication. “People in our community respect us for our voluntary work because we don’t receive compensation for our service,” says Mohammad Sahjan, another CPP volunteer. The prestige and pride they feel as volunteers are more than just a title; it’s a badge of honor.

Many of these volunteers first developed their sense of community service during high school, as members of Scouts. These early experiences instilled a lifelong commitment to volunteerism and helping others, which has become a cornerstone of their identity.

The Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP)

Established in 1972 in response to the catastrophic Bhola Cyclone of 1970, the CPP was formed to address the urgent need for organized disaster preparedness at the community level. In partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the government of Bangladesh, the CPP has grown into a vital force for proactive disaster response. Today, more than 76,000 volunteers across the country are trained in early warning dissemination, first aid, and search and rescue operations, helping safeguard even the most vulnerable communities. Once cyclone warnings are issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), these volunteers quickly mobilize, ensuring that community members receive timely and accurate information.

In Cox’s Bazar, volunteers come from all walks of life–students, farmers, shopkeepers–but they all share a common goal: protecting their communities from the harsh impacts of natural disasters. The programme has expanded over the years to address not just cyclones but also hazards like floods, landslides, and lightning strikes, making volunteers indispensable in a region that faces regular threats from nature.

Facing the Challenges of Disaster Response

Using megaphones, volunteers conduct awareness campaigns in vulnerable areas in Cox’s Bazar amidst heavy rainfall and other cascading hazards such as flash floods and landslides.

Despite their dedication, volunteers face significant challenges. Cyclones remain the most visible threat, but dangers like landslides triggered by extreme rainfall and lightning strikes are increasingly putting lives at risk in the Cox’s Bazar region. “People sometimes don’t understand the potential impact from a warning,” explains Sahjan, describing how a lack of interpretation and situational awareness can lead to delays in evacuations and heighten vulnerability.

Volunteers like Rahat also face logistical challenges: “we don’t get any financial support, not even transport costs for the duties we perform,” he says. We don’t receive food or snacks while working, and we bear all the expenses ourselves.” Despite these hardships, the volunteers’ passion for serving their communities remains steadfast. Yet, the need for better support and resources to sustain their vital work is evident.

Training for the Future: Enhancing Skills in Forecast Interpretation

To help overcome the challenges of the lack of awareness, initiatives like the Strengthening Last Mile Communications (SLMC) project are equipping volunteers with the tools they need to better understand and interpret weather forecasts. The project has engaged the CPP volunteers in multiple ways, such as providing training, disseminating mobile voice alerts and advisories, and involving them in data collection on risks, vulnerabilities, and exposure in their localities.

On 28 August 2024, the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) organized a Forecast Interpretation and Capacity Building Training in Cox’s Bazar for 41 CPP volunteers from Teknaf, Ukhiya, and Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila. 

RIMES, through the SLMC Project, conducting a Forecast Interpretation and Capacity Building in Cox’s Bazar.

As part of the SLMC program, this initiative aims to empower local community volunteers as change agents by expanding their knowledge beyond cyclones to include other hazards such as flash floods, lightning, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall. The training aimed to provide volunteers with a deeper understanding of weather forecasts and how to use this information to save lives, particularly by enhancing their understanding of weather and risk information, the fundamentals of a multi-hazard early warning system, and new features of the INSTANT Portal, a platform that provides real-time risk and resource information, including lightning nowcasting systems and heat stress alerts.

Funded by USAID through the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and implemented by RIMES, the SLMC program seeks to improve disaster preparedness and risk mitigation by effectively disseminating timely early warning information to last-mile users in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

“We are grateful to be part of such initiatives. Understanding the impacts of weather forecasts is vital in our job as CPP volunteers. I particularly appreciate the INSTANT Portal which I now regularly visit to learn about the weather in our area and anticipate potential scenarios that may occur,” shared Rahat.

Strengthening Community Resilience: The Road Ahead

While volunteers are familiar with cyclone signals, interpreting the full impact from weather forecasts remains a challenge. The knowledge they have gained from training is invaluable, but they are eager for more and are ready to take on a larger role in their communities.

“People need to understand the impact from a forecast so they can take timely actions,” Rahat emphasizes. “We need longer and more practical training sessions,” he adds, calling for master trainer programs that would empower volunteers to independently host awareness sessions—such as courtyard meetings—to teach their communities about weather forecasts, disaster risk information, and how to stay safe.

As the impacts of climate change intensify, the role of CPP volunteers will only grow in importance. Their dedication, resilience, and thirst for knowledge not only help protect their communities from immediate disaster impacts but also empower them to mitigate future risks. In a world where early warning-early action can make the difference between life and death, these volunteers serve as the heart and backbone of community resilience in Cox’s Bazar.

RIMES, through programs like the SLMC project, is committed to ensuring that volunteers, communities, and nations are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to safeguard lives and livelihoods. This ongoing support will ensure that RIMES member countries are not only better prepared for immediate disaster response but also able to mitigate future risks through proactive, localized, and sustainable solutions. 

Written by: Sakib Imtiaz

The post Empowering Local Heroes: Youth and Volunteers as Change Agents in Disaster Preparedness appeared first on rimes.

 
Group photo of the participants and resource persons during a capacity building in Cambodia

Cambodia’s fertile rice paddies, nurtured by the mighty Mekong River, are constantly threatened by devastating floods. Recognizing this risk, the Cambodian government has recently prioritized improving its hydro-meteorological capabilities, particularly in impact-based flood forecasting (IbF).

IbF is an emerging practice that shifts weather prediction to focus on the potential consequences of weather events. This approach enables communities and authorities to take proactive measures before a disaster strikes. 

Historically, Cambodia has faced significant hurdles in forecasting capabilities. The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM), including its Department of Meteorology (DOM) and Department of Hydrology and River Works (DHRW), struggled with outdated tools and limited resources. 

“The tools we are using at the moment can only provide 3-day bulletins and reference historical data to validate the forecasts; a 15-day weather forecast would be very helpful so we can prepare accordingly, especially for extreme events,” shares Som Kungsomreth, Hydrology Officer at the DHRW. 

WFP-RIMES Project

The World Food Programme (WFP) partnered with the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES) to implement the project, “Development of Early Warning Systems to Enable Anticipatory Action Plan for Floods in Selected River Basins in Cambodia.” This initiative aims to strengthen the country’s resilience to climate hazards by enhancing the forecasting and anticipatory action capacities of national and sub-national institutions.

Anticipatory action utilizes IbF data to trigger pre-planned actions that mitigate the impact of impending disasters. These proactive measures are crucial for safeguarding lives, livelihoods, properties, and infrastructure. The collaboration between hydrometeorological agencies and at-risk communities in designing and implementing IBF and AA programs is key to transforming early warnings into effective early actions.

To improve the fundamentals of weather and flood forecasting capabilities of MOWRAM, DOM, and DHRW, a three-day training program was conducted by WFP and RIMES. This program focused on enhancing skills in flood frequency analysis, basin average rainfall calculation, and threshold determination.

DataEx for Improved Forecasting 

RIMES introduced its Data Exchange (DataEx) platform, a state-of-the-art meteorological data exchange, visualization, and analytics system. This platform enables the secure exchange of country-specific meteorological data and provides access to forecast products from global producing centers like the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). By integrating real-time data and advanced analytics, DataEx revolutionizes forecasting approaches, enabling more accurate and localized predictions.

“DataEx could transform our capabilities by integrating various models and satellite data, allowing us to extend forecasts up to 15 days and predict flash floods in previously unmonitored areas. This tool could be a game-changer for our operations,” said Kungsomreth.

Similarly, Mr. Thaily Oy, Vice Chief of the Weather Observation Office in DOM, emphasized the benefits of DataEx: “This platform offers a range of forecasting techniques and models, enhancing the accuracy of forecasting. It’s our first exposure to such comprehensive data integration and analysis, and it’s proving invaluable. However, we would need more time and training to further explore and discover the features of DataEx.”

The training also covered probabilistic versus deterministic forecasts, threshold determination, vulnerability assessments, and the principles of IBF. The modules equipped participants with a deeper understanding of forecasting uncertainties, the importance of accurate threshold setting, and the need for people-centered early warning systems.

“Such trainings are warmly welcomed in our institutions. Cambodian universities currently do not offer hydrological and meteorological courses, so we rely on passing knowledge to our new colleagues,” expressed Kungsomreth.

As the project moves forward, the focus will be on providing more training opportunities for key stakeholders, customizing DataEx for specific regional needs, and finalizing and testing of the Anticipatory Action Plan for floods to ultimately be integrated into Cambodia’s disaster preparedness mechanisms. 

The story of DataEx in Cambodia is not just about technological advancement; it’s about building a foundation of resilience through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to protecting communities from the impacts of natural hazards. (30)

The post On Building Resilience: WFP and RIMES strengthen Cambodia’s Hydromet Capacities appeared first on rimes.

Every year, Bangladesh is ravaged by devastating floods that are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change and multiple other factors. The floods cause immense harm to people’s lives, livelihoods, properties, and agricultural production. 

In this context, a workshop on the annual progress of the project titled ‘Development of Local Flood Early Warning and Dissemination System’ was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh today. This component of the PROVATi project, financially supported by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and technically supported by RIMES aims to reduce damages and casualties through improved flood early warning system. 

The workshop was presided over by State Minister of Disaster Management and Relief Ministry Dr. Md. Enamur Rahman MP (Chief Guest) and Director General Department of Disaster Management Md. Mijanur Rahman. Other eminent guests included Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) Secretary Md. Kamrul Hasan NDC, Guest of Honor Additional Director General at Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) Mr. Amirul Haq Bhuiyan and Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) Chief Engineer Sk. Md. Mohsin. Besides this, representatives of various national and international organizations including Directorate of Local Government Engineering, Directorate of Meteorology, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), development partner International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) participated in the workshop.

At the program, progress made through the project on local flood early warning and dissemination system was discussed. This included updates related to completion of the baseline survey, project activity progression and  inauguration of development of an online database portal of Disaster Management Committee for dissemination of vital early warning information in all districts, unions and wards of Bangladesh. 

Chief guest State Minister Dr. Md. Enamur Rahman, said that the program will play a crucial role in reducing the loss of lives and properties of the flood-vulnerable areas and contribute to capacity development of the local communities for enhanced disaster risk reduction. He thanked IFAD and development partners for providing assistance in this process and emphasized on integrated efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals together. 

Meanwhile, chairperson Md. Kamrul Hasan NDC, in his speech, emphasized on disseminating flood early warnings to the people in an easy-to-understand language. Similarly, Mr. Md. Mijanur Rahman, DG Department of Disaster Management (DDM) said that flood inundation maps of the vulnerable areas through drone survey will make flood forecasting more effective. Guest of Honor, BWDB Additional Director General, Mr. Amirul Haq Bhuiyan emphasized on integrated activities for the implementation of this project and assured cooperation from the FFWC-BWDB. Likewise, Mr. Netai Chandra Dey Sarker, Project Coordinator of PROVATi Project-DDM Component, delivered the welcome speech of the workshop and presented a short overview of the project’s accomplishments. He also thanked all the participants for attending the workshop.

The Promoting Resilience of Vulnerable Through Access to Infrastructure, Improved Skills and Information (PROVATi) project is being implemented with support from IFAD under the lead agency LGED. This component under the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) aims to reduce disaster risks and save lives and livelihoods in vulnerable areas from floods and natural disasters through dissemination of flood early warning to the root level users. The initiative, which covers 19 upazilas of Kurigram, Gaibandha and Jamalpur in the northern region of Bangladesh, is being implemented with technical support from RIMES.

The post Annual Workshop on “Development of Local Flood Early Warning and Dissemination System” and Inauguration of Disaster Management Committee Database appeared first on rimes.

A two-day residential training program ‘Forecast Interpretation and Advisory Generation for Extension Officials’ was held earlier this week in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The training aimed at developing the capacities of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) officials as well as orienting them on the agromet generation process at the local level using various forecast products.

Extension officials from Rajshahi, Chapai Nawabganj, Satkhira and Barisal regions of Bangladesh took part in the training program. During the opening session, scientists from Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Meteorologists from Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and technical experts from RIMES held sessions on fundamentals of weather forecast, crop-weather relationship, influence of weather on pests and disease outbreaks, application of seasonal forecasts in strategic decision-making as well as accessing forecast products.

On the following day, the participants were requested to prepare their respective local level agromet advisories based on the available forecast products which helped them to better understand the advisory generation process. At the session, the project director of Bangladesh Agrometeorological Information System Development Project (AMISDP) explained the mechanisms of the current agromet advisory system in Bangladesh.

One of the training participants, Umme Salma, District Training Officer of Rajshahi said that this training program was a great initiative to explore the operational agromet services in Bangladesh. She is now confident about preparing more localized and customized agromet advisories rather than depending on previous district level advisories. She also hoped that similar capacity building programs are organized in future so that more extension officials will be able to interpret the forecast products and generate localized advisories.

The training was organized as part of the Asia Regional Resilience to a Changing Climate (ARRCC) program implemented through support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in collaboration with BMD and UK Met Office. The ARRCC program is being implemented in various countries of South Asia including Bangladesh with an aim to build climate and environmental resilience by improving the application and access to weather and climate services at the regional and national level. In addition, the program is supporting development of new technologies and innovative approaches to help vulnerable communities use weather warnings and forecasts to better prepare for climate-related shocks.

The post Training on forecast interpretation and advisory generation for extension officials held in Bangladesh appeared first on rimes.

It is all systems go for the “Development of Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA)’s Decision Support System (DSS) for lmpact-based Multi-Hazard Early Warning System”. The NDRRMA officially green-lighted it in a letter, issued on July 31, 2022, expressing confirmation of the implementation plan prepared by the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES).

The plan outlines institutional gaps and the approach and methodology that will be adopted in DSS preparation, design, development, deployment, and sustainability efforts.

The DSS for NDRRMA is an automated tool designed to facilitate climate-informed decision-making by generating guiding insights on climate-informed development and growth interventions based on analyses of past, present, and potential or future climate risks and opportunities in key socio-economic areas. For instance, using the system, a 10-day lead time for rainfall, maximum or minimum temperature, wind speed, and humidity, and analysis of risks associated with such forecasts, can be provided to relevant districts, allowing emergency responders to anticipate hazard or disaster scenarios, implement actions for reducing risks, and allocate resources for timely responses to emergency requirements, including rescue efforts if necessary.

In a statement, NDRRMA Joint Secretary Rameshowr Marhatta noted how the proposed system is anticipated to help boost the agency’s work, particularly in hazard and disaster preparedness.

The DSS tailored to the requirements of Nepal’s disaster risk reduction and management sector will be co-produced by RIMES and NDRRMA, along with other relevant sectoral bodies, as part of the World Bank-funded Climate Adaptation and Resilience for South Asia (CARE) Project.

The CARE project aims to contribute to resilience-building in the region through enhanced access to regional data and knowledge; development of climate-smart guidelines, tools, and capacities; and promotion of climate-resilient decisions, policies, and investments across key public sectors in participating countries, namely Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Visit www.careforsouthasia.info to learn more

The post NDRRMA-Nepal gives green signal to RIMES-proposed Implementation Plan for DSS Development appeared first on rimes.

19 journalists from local print and broadcast media, including community radio, participated in a training titled ‘Training on Interpretation of Early Warning Information for Local Journalists’ in Bogura, Bangladesh on Tuesday.

The training aimed to enhance the knowledge and capacities of the journalists and broadcasters on dissemination of weather information and flood early warning to the local communities. The training sessions covered various topics including interpretation of weather and flood forecasts, thunder-storm and lightning science, last–mile communication and consideration of weather anomalies among others. At the training, participants talked about the types of support they expect from the national meteorological and hydrological service providers (NMHSs) and discussed areas of possible collaboration with RIMES to strengthen last mile communication. The recommendations included development of effective Public Service Announcements (PSAs), IEC materials, awareness raising programs for students/youths and courtyard sessions with local communities among others.

Md. Arifuzzaman Bhuyan, Executive Engineer, and Sarder Udoy Raihan, Sub Divisional Engineer from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) attended the program as facilitators along with RIMES team members.

The training is a part of a series of capacity building initiatives for media practitioners to help them interpret early warning information, build enduring relationships with NMHSs and create practical and actionable programming for the local communities. The initiatives are a part of the ‘Strengthening Last Mile Communications’ program, which is being implemented in four countries across the South Asia region including Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It aims to work on climate resilience through effective dissemination of timely early warning information among last-mile users for improved disaster preparedness and risk mitigation. The program is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and is implemented by RIMES.

The post Training on Interpretation of Early Warning Information for Local Journalists held in Bogura, Bangladesh appeared first on rimes.

A baseline study is being carried out by RIMES in Bangladesh’s most flood-prone areas of Gaibandha district that will help identify the needs and gaps of communities in the existing flood early warning system. 
 
Prior to this, the baseline study was successfully carried out in several Upazilas of Jamalpur and Kurigram district. The study will help authorities understand flood early warning user needs and vulnerabilities, and scope of improvement of generation and dissemination of localized flood early warning. It will also be helpful in measuring change and impact over time, where results from the baseline will be compared with periodic post monsoon surveys done at the end of each monsoon period. 
 
The study is being carried out from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. A total of 1425 households are to be interviewed by using a portable electronic device and the digital data collection app called KOBO Toolbox with a structured questionnaire. Besides the household survey, 19 FGDs and 31 KIIs with the professionals of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and Department Of Disaster Management (DDM) will also be conducted under the baseline study. 
 
The overall assessment is a part of the project ‘Development of Local Flood Early Warning and Dissemination System’ under the PROVATi3 Project currently being implemented by DDM in Bangladesh with funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and with technical support from RIMES in Bangladesh’s most flood-prone areas of Kurigram, Gaibandha, and Jamalpur. The project aims to generate tailored flood early warning and expand the flood warning to its’ last-mile users.

The post Flood Early Warning System Audit and Baseline Survey in Bangladesh appeared first on rimes.