Everest flood warning neglected for years, Nepal officials tell BBC
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India & neighbourhood· Mains·
Why in news
Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) admitted that a multi-million dollar flood warning system for the Everest region is malfunctioning due to lack of maintenance and unreliable satellite data.
Background
The system was installed following a 2016 glacial lake drainage. The DHM acknowledged funding issues and pledged resources for repairs, while a new UNDP grant will be used to replicate the system at four other locations in Nepal.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyDHM: Department of Hydrology and Meteorology is the body responsible for flood warning systems in Nepal.
- Intl. orgUNDP: United Nations Development Programme is providing a grant for flood warning systems in Nepal.
- FactThe flood warning system was installed following a glacial lake drainage in 2016.
- PlaceImja glacial lake is identified as a specific risk area in the Everest region.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges in implementing early warning systems for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayas and suggest measures to ensure their operational sustainability.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Data reliability: Challenges in maintaining consistent satellite data transmission in high-altitude terrains
- Maintenance gap: Institutional failure to sustain multi-million dollar infrastructure due to funding and logistical hurdles
- Climate vulnerability: Rapid expansion of Imja glacial lake increasing risk to downstream communities
Keywords: Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) · Early Warning Systems (EWS) · Climate Adaptation · Disaster Risk Reduction · Infrastructure Sustainability
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.