Role of Hydro-Met Services in Disaster Risk Management

Transcription

1 Role of Hydro-Met Services in Disaster Risk Management Tshewang Rigzin (Mr) National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology, Bhutan 30 th November 2017

2 Outline Vision and Mission Functions related to Disaster Management Disaster risks/hazards in Bhutan Food/GLOF Hazards and Management Priority on Disaster Risk Management

3 Vision and Mission (National Center for Hydrology & Meteorology) VISION Make Bhutan hydro-met ready and resilient nation. MISSION: Provide quality, accurate and reliable weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy.

4 Functions Specific functions related to disaster management Install, operate and monitor hydro-met stations and GLOF EWS 24x7; Weather and climate forecasting, flood forecasting and early warning services; Carryout field assessments and studies to mitigate flood related disasters; Seasonal weather forecast through NCOF and SASCOF; Transmit flood and weather information to the National Emergency Operation Center.

5 Phases of Disaster

6 During Flood Event-2016 His Majesty The King with the Prime Minister, Chief Operations Officer of the Army, and Agriculture Minister, at the site in Sarpang where the river flooded the market. Source: HM s Facebook page

7 Volunteers: Fearing that this house in Setikharey wouldn't be safe for its inhabitants after the area was flooded, DeSuups, police, and armed force personnel evacuated the house, and helped carry away all of the family belongings to a safer place. Source: HM s Facebook page

8 Disaster Risks in Bhutan 1. Earthquake: High risk zone 2. Floods: GLOF Flash Floods LDOF 3. Landsides: Rain and rugged terrain 4. Forest Fires: Due to dry winter 5. Epidemics, pests and diseases e.g Bird flue, HIV/AIDS etc

9 Potentially dangerous glacial lakes of Bhutan Pho Chu Sub Basin : 9 Mo Chu Sub Basin : 5 Chamkhar Chu Sub Basin: 3 Kuri Chu Sub Basin: 1 Mangde Chu Sub Basin: 7 Source: ICIMOD - 2,794 glacial lakes in Bhutan and 25 lakes are reported potentially dangerous

10 Point Data Showing the settlement pattern of Bhutan Source: NSB -Over 70% of the settlements are located along the drainage basins, -Impacts downstream across the border.

11 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) GLOFs are among the most serious natural hazards in Bhutan; GLOF threatens the lives and livelihood of people living in the valleys and low lying river plains; Source: ICIMOD

12 Discharge (m3/s) Major GLOF incidences were reported in 1957, 1960 Most recent event was occurred on 7 October 1994 on Punatsangchhu basin; Caused by partial breach of Lugge Tsho on Phochhu; 1994 GLOF Event Discharge at Wangdue gauging station 2500 m3/sec; Damaged cropland, loss of lives (human and livestock) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month

13 Latest GLOF!!!

14

15 Flash Floods Flash floods are recurrent phenomena; Kholongchu tributary in 1998 (houses, people, gauging station) In 1999 flood in Thimphu, Paro area In August 2000 flood killed 49 people and destroyed 17 houses in Pasakha, Southern Bhutan 2004 monsoon in eastern Districts have caused loss: 9 lives, 29 houses, and 664 acres of land; 2009-Cyclone Aila; 2016 flood-affected many places in southern district.

16 EWS Before emergency situations Hydrological Stations(manual) : 26 Met Stations(manual) : 90 Flood Warning Stations(manual) : 17

17 GLOF / Rainstorm EWS

18

19

20 Early Warning System at Punatshangchhu Basin Sensors Siren towers

21 GLOF / Rainstorm EWS

22 SOP for GLOF EWS

23 Priority on Disaster Risk Management Legislation and Institution Reform; Public Awareness (Mock drills) and Education; Early Warning System for GLOF and Floods; Disaster Damage Assessment; Community Centered Approach of Disaster Risk Management; Focus on Preventative Approach; Improvement of Efficient Communication; Human Resources Development; Mainstream Disaster Risk management in 5 year plans; Science and Technology; Institutional collaborations.

24 TASHI DELEK