An early warning system has been installed in the Doda (Macheli) river in Kanchanpur.
The radar level sensor – a flood warning device – was implemented at a cost of NPR 1 million with technical assistance from the Mahakali Basin Field Office under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
The device is designed to promptly notify authorities and residents about fluctuations in the water level and it’s primary objective is to minimize the loss of life and property caused by recurring floods.
The device operates by providing real-time information on the rise and fall of the water level in the river at 10-second intervals.
The data is accessible through the website of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
The system is planned to not only inform residents in the lower coastal areas about the water levels but also relay flood alerts through group SMS when the levels reach the warning and danger thresholds.
According to Omnath Dhakal, head of the Rehabilitation Disaster Management Branch of the Municipality, it takes three to four hours for the river flood water to reach the municipal area from the upper coastal area and this system could help inform the municipality residents of the incoming floods.
(With inputs via RSS)