Nepal has outlined plans to strengthen flood forecasting, improve weather monitoring and reduce the risk of glacial lake outburst floods as part of efforts to improve disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.
According to information released by Nepal’s government agencies, the GLOF Sanjibani Project will receive approximately US$49.94 million for implementation between 2026 and 2033. The project aims to directly benefit more than 385,000 people and indirectly benefit around two million people in vulnerable mountain river basins.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Approximately US$49.94 million for the GLOF Sanjibani Project.
Implementation period: 2026–2033.
More than 385,000 direct and around two million indirect beneficiaries expected.
Four priority glacial lakes identified for risk-reduction measures.
Separate flood-warning programme covering six river basins.
Planned upgrades to weather stations, radar infrastructure and forecasting technology.
The initiative focuses on reducing risks at four high-risk glacial lakes: Thulagi in Manang district, Lower Barun in Sankhuwasabha district, and Lumding Tsho and Hongu-2 in Solukhumbu district. Planned measures include lowering lake water levels, strengthening monitoring systems and improving early warnings for communities downstream.
Separately, Nepal is implementing the Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project to strengthen flood protection and early warning systems across six river basins in the Terai region. The flood-warning component has an allocation of US$7.54 million under the programme scheduled for 2022–2028.
Nepal also plans to improve weather forecasting through artificial intelligence, machine learning and high-performance computing. Proposed measures include upgrading 503 manual weather stations to automatic stations, repairing weather radars in Surkhet, Palpa and Udayapur, and installing an X-band radar in the Kathmandu Valley.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Flooding and glacial lake outburst floods can threaten lives, settlements, infrastructure and livelihoods. Stronger monitoring and reliable early warning systems can help communities prepare for emergencies and reduce potential losses.
The planned improvements are intended to support more timely forecasts and warnings, helping authorities and vulnerable communities prepare for floods and other weather-related hazards.
