Nepal has outlined plans to improve weather forecasts, strengthen flood warning systems and reduce the risk of floods caused by glacial lake outbursts. Two documents released by government bodies focus on improving disaster preparedness and protecting vulnerable communities.
Nepal plans to expand flood warning systems across six major river basins and lower the water levels of four high-risk glacial lakes to reduce the danger of sudden floods.
The GLOF Sanjibani Project, scheduled to run from 2026 to 2033, has an investment of nearly 50 million US dollars. It aims to directly benefit more than 385,000 people and indirectly benefit around two million people living in vulnerable mountain river basins.
The project covers Thulagi Lake in Manang, Lower Barun in Sankhuwasabha, and Lumding Tsho and Hongu-2 in Solukhumbu. It builds on earlier efforts to reduce flood risks at Tsho Rolpa and Imja glacial lakes.
Under another project, Nepal is working to install flood warning systems across six river basins, with an investment of 7.54 million US dollars. The project is scheduled to continue until 2028.
The Centre for Hydrology and Water Resources Research also plans to improve flood forecasts for the Karnali and Narayani rivers. A community-based warning system is planned under the Bagmati Improvement Project, with an allocation of 26.1 million Nepali rupees.
