The Challenge:

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region faces increasing flash flood risks due to climate change. Traditional early warnings often fail to reach vulnerable downstream communities in India, leading to loss of life and livelihoods.

The Power of Community:

Flood Early Warning Saves Lives in Bihar Community-based Flood Early Warning System (CBFEWS) empowers communities to manage flood risks. Upstream communities use simple, low-cost instruments to monitor water levels and send real- time alerts downstream via mobile phones developed by Yuganter in coordination with ICIMOD. The story of Shrikhandi village in Bihar, bordering Nepal, offers a powerful testament to the effectiveness of community-based flood early warning systems. In August 2017, when floodwaters from the Ratu River threatened the village, residents were prepared – unlike previous years where floods caused devastation. The key difference? An early warning system implemented by Yuganter. Unlike traditional government warnings, this system involved the community from the start. Residents, alongside government agencies, were included in every step, from design to implementation. This “human face” to the system fostered trust and ownership. Ranjeet Kumar, the village caretaker, monitored the telemetrically linked receiver that received data from the tower on the Ratu River. In constant communication with caretakers in neighbouring Nepali villages, Kumar was able to alert not only Shrikhandi but also six surrounding villages, providing crucial lead time for preparation. This cross-border collaboration exemplifies the beauty of a community-based approach. Kumar’s timely information allowed villagers to move livestock and belongings to safety. Women and children were prepared to evacuate to designated shelters. Thanks to the system’s seven to eight hours of warning, the community successfully weathered the initial flood wave. Today, Kumar takes pride in his role. The system empowered villagers, giving them the “power of information” to protect themselves and their livelihoods. They are living proof that community involvement saves lives. Shrikhandi residents now hope to see this life-saving system implemented on other rivers, protecting more communities, and fostering resilience in the face of floods.

From Yuganter