Virtual Workshop on Integrated Flood Risk Management
| Duration | 08/12/2023 to 11/12/2023 |
| Registration Deadline | 08/12/2023 |
Program Note
Background
The SAARC region is facing multiple compounding and cascading crises simultaneously. The persistent reality of climate change is reshaping the disaster riskscape. Under the new climate scenarios based on the 6th IPCC Assessment Report, the difference between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius is substantial. Every fraction of a degree translates to increased and disproportionate impacts of heavy precipitation and flooding in the SAARC region.
The Region is home to some of the world's largest river catchment areas, including the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Narmada, Kaveri, Koshi, and more, all of which contribute to a heightened susceptibility to floods and river erosion. Regrettably, the absence of a comprehensive interdisciplinary strategy for River Management and Flood Plain Conservation has led to substantial losses in terms of ecology and environment. A recent example is the devastating floods in Pakistan, which impacted over 32 million people and caused damages estimated at around $30 billion. Floods and inundations of varying intensity were recorded across other countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The significant changes observed in geographical characteristics, monsoon behaviours, and urban development paint a challenging picture for the times ahead.
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) also pose a significant concern within the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) region due to its mountainous terrain and the presence of numerous glaciers and glacial lakes. GLOFs occur when a glacier-dammed lake suddenly bursts, releasing a massive volume of water, ice, and debris downstream. These events can lead to devastating downstream flooding, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, settlements, and ecosystems. The SAARC region is home to several countries with high-altitude regions, such as Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of India, where glaciers and glacial lakes are prevalent. The warming climate has accelerated glacier melt and led to the expansion of many glacial lakes, increasing the potential for GLOFs.
Recognizing the need for collaborative efforts to mitigate flood risks and enhance disaster resilience, the Virtual Workshop on 'Integrated Flood Risk Management' has been organized.This workshop serves as a platform for SAARC member states to come together, share knowledge, and develop strategies for effective flood risk management.
Objective of the Workshop
- Explore the intricate interplay between flood risks and evolving climatic conditions specific to the SAARC Region.
- To discuss the principles, methodologies, and good practices related to Integrated Flood Risk Management within the SAARC Region.
- Explore the implications of changing climate patterns on flood risks and equip participants with strategies to enhance resilience in the face of climate variability.
- Introduce participants to innovative technologies, tools, and practices for early warning, flood monitoring, and real-time decision-making.
- Enhance participants' ability to develop effective disaster preparedness and response plans, ensuring timely and coordinated actions during flood events.
- Share successful case studies and lessons learned from within and outside the SAARC Region to inspire and inform participants' flood risk management strategies.
Course pedagogy
The Workshop will be held virtually, facilitated by trainers from SAARC Disaster Management Centre (IU), joined by guest speakers from partner institutes. The workshop will include presentations, discussions etc.
Targeted participants (10 participants from each Member States)
This workshop aims to engage total of 10 Officials from Ministries (Disaster Management including National Disaster Management Organisations, Water Resource and Hydro Power & Dams) from each of the SAARC Member State.
Organizers
The Virtual Workshop on ‘Integrated Flood Risk Management’ will be organized jointly by SDMC (IU) and partner institutes on 08 – 11 December 2023 for nominated officials from the SAARC Member States.
About SAARC Disaster Management Centre (IU)
SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC-IU) has been set up at Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM) Campus, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. SDMC (IU) is expected to serve SAARC Member States in disaster management initiatives. Since its operations at GIDM Campus, SDMC (IU), has conducted 22 residential capacity building programs and 6 webinars, wherein about 850 officials from the Member States were oriented, sensitized and trained in collaboration with more than 190 domain experts hailing from various regional and global organisations
Date & Virtual Platform
The virtual platform link for joining the Workshop will be shared by SDMC (IU) with nominated participants in due course. The dates of the workshop are 08 to 11 December, 2023.
| Sr No. | Topic | Presenter | View/ Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Challenges and opportunities in Managing Climate Change Induced Flood Risk in SAARC Region | Dr. Krishna AchutaRao Professor, CAS, IIT-Delhi, Lead Author (IPCC) |
View / Download |
| 2 | Case Studies from SAARC Region: Nepal Experience on Glacial Lake Outburst Flooding (GLOF) | Mr. Anil Pokhrel, Chief Executive, NDRRMA, Govt. of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal |
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| 3 | Flood Disaster Preparedness & Response: Issues & Challenges- Odisha Floods | Mr. Lingaraj Gouda Engineer in Chief Planning & Design Dept. of Water Resources Govt. of Odisha |
View / Download |
| 4 | Insight on Integrated Flood Risk Management | Mr. A B Pandya Secretary General, ICID |
View / Download |
| 5 | Flood Risk Assessment | Prof. (Dr.) Anupam K. Singh Adani Institute of Infrastructure Engineering |
View / Download |
| 6 | Flood Early Warning Systems: Case Study of India Meteorological Department (IMD) | Ms. Manorama Mohanty Scientist-E & Head Meteorological Centre, Ahmedabad |
View / Download |
| 7 | Role of cascading reservoirs in effective flood risk management | Dr. M B Joshi, Chief Engineer (Retd.), Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd. |
View / Download |
| 8 | Role of Artificial Intelligence in Flood Management & Monitoring | Prof. (Dr.) Deepak Khare IIT-Roorkee |
View / Download |
| 9 | Recovery and Rehabilitation - Case Study of 2018 Kerala floods | Dr. Sekhar L. Kuriakose Member Secretary, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority |
View / Download |
| 10 | Safeguarding Communities in Flood Management – Case Study of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) | Shri Atul Karwal, IPS Director General, National Disaster Response Force |
View / Download |
| 11 | Case Studies from SAARC Region: Lessons from the 2013 Kedarnath Floods | Dr. Ranjit Kumar Sinha Secretary-Disaster Management, Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority |
View / Download |
| 12 | Lessons learned in WASH: Response during Floods | Dr. Saurabh Dalal World Health Organisation |
View / Download |
| 13 | Cross-cutting Issues | Shri Lalit Dashora, Senior Multi Hazard Early Warning Specialist, ADPC |
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| 14 | Case Study of Sikkim Floods | Dr. Vinod K. Sharma, Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority |
View / Download |
| 15 | Country Presentations | ||
| iii. | Bhutan | Mr. Sonam Tshewang | View / Download |
| vi. | Nepal | Er. Krishna Prasad Rijal | View / Download |
| viii. | Sri Lanka | M.A.C.Mohamed Riyas | View / Download |