Nepal Advances Early Warning Systems with WMO-Led CAP and Flood Resilience Initiatives

Nepal has taken significant steps to strengthen its early warning systems for floods and other climate-induced hazards through a series of strategic workshops and stakeholder engagements, organized in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), and the Center for Applied Research and Development (CARD). These activities, supported under the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Early Warnings for All (EW4All) Accelerator project, are helping to position Nepal at the forefront of disaster risk reduction in vulnerable regions.

CAP Workshop Promotes Standardized Warning Protocols

Held on 24 and 25 April, the first major workshop convened over 35 experts and stakeholders from national institutions such as DHM and CARD, as well as representatives from the Nepal Red Cross, disaster risk management entities, and EW4All Pillar leads. The primary focus was the implementation of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), a globally recognized data format for exchanging all-hazard emergency alerts and public warnings.

The two-day workshop not only introduced the participants to the structure and functionality of CAP but also equipped them with the technical knowledge to develop and disseminate warnings that are both timely and standardized. These warnings are essential for prompting effective, anticipatory actions that can minimize damage and save lives during hydrometeorological events such as floods, landslides, and droughts.

An expert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) shared insights and technical guidance from India’s operational experience with CAP, serving as a valuable case study. The workshop culminated in the drafting of a national implementation plan, including the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for issuing and disseminating CAP-based alerts across various communication channels.

Advancing Community-Based Flood Management

Following the CAP workshop, on 27 April, another key event was organized—this time with a focus on Integrated and Community-Based Flood Management (ICBFM). This session brought together 25 participants from government bodies, international organizations, and local authorities. The workshop facilitated an exchange of strategies on flood management approaches tailored to Nepal’s diverse geography and varying levels of flood vulnerability.

Through interactive discussions and group work, participants examined flood causes, impacts, and current mitigation measures. The session helped consolidate a shared understanding of ongoing flood resilience projects and encouraged the identification of new opportunities for collaboration. As a direct outcome, two municipalities were chosen for piloting localized, community-based flood management initiatives in partnership with DHM and relevant disaster response agencies.

Supporting End-to-End Early Warning System Development

The final component of this multi-stakeholder initiative was a high-level meeting between WMO and DHM, aimed at finalizing the WMO Assessment Matrix for an End-to-End Early Warning System (EWS) for floods and droughts in Nepal. The matrix serves as a comprehensive tool to evaluate the current status of EWS components—including observation infrastructure, forecasting capabilities, communication systems, and response mechanisms.

This assessment helped reveal key capacity gaps and resource needs, providing the foundation for the design of a new Adaptation Fund project scheduled for launch later this year. This project is expected to further institutionalize early warning systems across the country and enhance coordination among local, national, and international stakeholders.

Strengthening Nepal’s Role in Global Climate Resilience

All of these initiatives fall under the broader CREWS EW4All Accelerator for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Nepal, as a vulnerable mountainous LDC, has been prioritized for these interventions due to its exposure to recurring natural hazards and the increasing threat posed by climate change.

By aligning with global standards such as CAP and engaging diverse stakeholders from the grassroots to the national level, Nepal is not only enhancing its disaster preparedness but also contributing to the global ambition of achieving universal early warnings by 2027, a key target of the EW4All initiative.

Looking Ahead

WMO has pledged continued support to DHM, particularly in operationalizing CAP for hydrometeorological hazards and ensuring the integration of CAP-compliant warnings into platforms like the Severe Weather Information Centre (SWIC). This ongoing partnership underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation, technical innovation, and community-level action in building resilience and safeguarding lives and livelihoods in the face of climate challenges.

Tags: early warning systems, Nepal, floods, WMO, CAP, DHM, disaster management, CREWS, EW4ALL, Adaptation Fund, climate resilience, community-based flood management, CARD, IMD