Dhangadi, July 12

Monsoon floods in various rivers of Kailali not only destroyed property but also killed 27 persons about 12 years ago. As the people living downstream didn’t adopt precautionary measures due to lack of knowledge about floods they suffered the loss of life and property.

There were incidents of monsoon floods in Kailali last year also, but only one person lost his life to the flood in the entire district. Kailali residents have been able to minimise the loss of life and property due to flood following the implementation of advance information system in 2008.

“When people get prior notice of the impending disaster, they can act on time to save their lives. Early information system on the impending disaster has prevented major tragedy in the district ever since the system was brought into operation,” said Nepal Red Cross Society Kailali president Uttam Joshi.

There are 37 points in the district where water flow in rivers and precipitation is measured. As water flow in rivers on the upper belt surges, gauge readers at the points relay the information to the district-based disaster management committee and the local community.

As for the Karnali River, water flow in the river is measured at Chisapani. As water flow in the river reaches 9 metres, the person at the gauge centre reports the same to communities downstream. If water level surges up to 10 metres, a danger sign is put up, and in case the river flow reaches 11metres, people in some 29 villages in Kailali and 46 villages in Bardia near the river are shifted to safer places.

Parbati Gurung, who measures water flow in the Karnali River, said human casualty from floods had reduced in the district ever since the system was introduced. “Back in 2014, water level in the river had reached up to 16 metres and we informed the communities in time, which prevented human casualty,” said Gurung.

With the monsoon active across the country, emphasis has been laid in the management of early warning system. According to district disaster committee, it has also prepared a plan to cope with flood incidents.  “We’ve coordinated with local bodies asking people be prepared for possible flood incidents,” said the red cross president Joshi.