Can we learn from Nepal’s early warning system ?

Can we learn from Nepal’s early warning system

 

 

How early warning technology protects Nepali villagers from sudden floods.

 The early warning system gives villagers 5-8 minutes’ notice of a flood – just enough time to save themselves.

 Five flood sensors are positioned near the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge, about 6 km upstream from the power station.

 If the water in the river reaches a dangerous level, the sensors activate sirens placed at four locations, including one at the power plant. The sirens warn the communities to flee to higher ground. Residents use their mobile phones to warn other villages further downstream.

 According to authorities, a glacial lake outburst flood takes about five minutes to travel from the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge to the plant and lives can be saved if people respond to the alarm immediately.

 http://e.jang.com.pk/07-14-2013/karachi/mag7.asp 14 July 2013

Bhote Koshi River: The power of choice between life and death

Exactly a month ago to this date, I returned from Nepal, where I had attended a workshop for South Asian Journalists on Climate Change and the Environment.

It was my first time to Nepal, so I was curious to see what the country was like especially since it had a population slightly higher than my city, Bangalore. The country, when compared to India, does seem to be stuck in a time warp –just by appearance with really old buildings and its third-hand Maruti 800s roaming around as taxis. However, after spending a week there, it births a lingering hunger and thirst to be in nature’s presence. This hunger sets in when you land in Nepal and all you see are the mountains.

Read more: http://forbesindia.com/blog/economy-policy/bhote-koshi-river-the-power-of-choice-between-life-and-death/#ixzz2UfLdOcf4

 

Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River: Should it be used for power or sports?

Exactly a month ago to this date, I returned from Nepal, where I had attended a workshop for South Asian Journalists on Climate Change and the Environment.

It was my first time to Nepal, so I was curious to see what the country was like especially since it had a population slightly larger than my city, Bangalore. The country, when compared to India, does seem to be stuck in a time warp — just by appearance — with really old buildings and its third-hand Maruti 800s roaming around as taxis. However, after a week with Nepal’s mountains, there grows a lingering hunger and thirst to be in nature’s presence.

Read more: http://www.firstpost.com/economy/nepals-bhote-koshi-river-should-it-be-used-for-power-or-sports-824497.html