Kamal KC
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) is preparing to send flood and weather-related advance warnings through voice calls. Previously, the department used SMS and social media to deliver such warnings, but now it is planning to deliver alerts via phone calls as well.
Sohardra Joshi, a hydrologist at the Flood Forecasting Division of DHM, said that they plan to start testing the voice alert system during this year’s monsoon season.
“So far, we have been sending disaster risk alerts via SMS. However, in some places, people do not read SMS messages on time or sometimes are unable to read them,” he told ICT Samachar. “Because of these problems, we want to take a step forward and pilot sending voice alerts to affected areas.”
Currently, many people do not read the SMS alerts, which causes delays in receiving disaster information. But by calling people via voice alerts (phone calls), the phone rings and people can immediately get the information, according to the department.
The department plans to send voice-based flood and weather warnings to local governments, administrative offices, disaster management committees, the Red Cross, and other related organizations. Since it is not possible to make a bulk call to everyone at once, the department plans to call the key personnel involved in disaster management and local administration to play the recorded risk message. The phone call will start playing the recorded message as soon as the recipient answers the call. This will be a great relief for people in risk-prone areas, as timely information can help prevent loss of life and property during disasters.
The department recently held discussions with the Disaster Risk Reduction Authority, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, GSMA, Nepal Telecommunications Authority, Nepal Telecom, Ncell, and other stakeholders about using cell broadcast technology for disseminating hydrological and weather disaster information.
How Are Weather and Flood Forecasts Made?
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology currently provides three types of forecasts: forecast, nowcast, and hindcast.
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Forecast provides weather and flood predictions for the next three days.
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Nowcast refers to real-time observations and analyses of current weather and water conditions. For this, various water and rainfall measuring stations across the country send data every 10 minutes. Based on these, advance warnings are issued.
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Hindcast involves analyzing past forecasts and actual events to improve future predictions.
The department uses balloons, satellite images, radar, and various numerical data models to make these forecasts. Every day at 5:45 am, a weather balloon is released from Kirtipur.
Senior meteorologist Pratibha Manandhar explains, “The balloon collects data on temperature, pressure, and other parameters from different locations as it ascends and sends this to our ground station.”
Nepal does not have its own satellite, so the department relies on satellites from countries like Japan, China, and India. There are also three radars located in Surkhet, Palpa, and Udayapur, although these are not always fully operational. Radars provide information about cloud conditions and other weather parameters within a 200-kilometer radius.
The department has real-time stations throughout the country measuring rainfall, water levels, temperature, and more.
Jinki Bhusal, a hydrologist engineer at the 24-hour Flood Forecasting Division, said that if water levels reach alert or danger levels at these stations, the department sends SMS alerts to citizens.
“These stations have sensors that provide data every 10 minutes. We monitor this data and send alerts based on it,” she said.
Using these technologies and data updated every 10 minutes, the department makes forecasts.
Improved Accuracy of Weather Forecasts
The use of technology has greatly improved the accuracy of weather forecasts. Earlier, forecasts were often inaccurate, but with modern technology, the predictions are becoming much more reliable.
Meteorologist Manandhar said, “Forecasting has become easier with technology. While we cannot say forecasts are 100% accurate, there has been significant improvement. We continue to work to make forecasts better and more precise. It is encouraging to see this progress.”
How to Access Weather and Flood Information
The public can visit the department’s website, dhm.gov.np, to get hydrological and weather information. Under the hydrological forecast section, flood-related information is available, and under meteorological, weather-related information can be found.
People with different levels of expertise also receive information via email. Additionally, the department shares flood and weather updates on Facebook (Flood and Weather), Viber, X (formerly Twitter - Flood and Weather, TikTok, and YouTube.
Information can also be obtained by calling the toll-free number 1155. Pressing 1 provides weather information, and pressing 2 gives flood information.
In special and emergency situations, the department sends SMS alerts in collaboration with Nepal Telecom and Ncell. The voice alert system will also soon be launched.
The department sends warnings not only during floods and monsoons but also for cold waves, lightning, heatwaves, and other weather-related events.
(Originally published in Nepali, This is the English translation. Click here for Nepali content. Parts of this text have been translated with the assistance of AI-powered tools.)
