|
The Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) make up one of the most dynamic and complex mountain systems in the world
. The region is known to be extremely fragile and prone to natural hazards, which are exacerbated by climate change. It is believed that climate change and other drivers of change have been gradually increasing the frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events and natural hazards in the region. Floods and flash floods are the major climate-induced hazards that threaten the lives and livelihoods of the downstream communities, particularly in the monsoon season. Such floods can be disastrous when it comes to small rivers and tributaries because they get less attention from the government and other agencies concerned. Early warnings are developed at the global, regional or national level to provide flood information. However, according to the Hyogo Protocol and the UNFCCC’s Special Report on Extreme Events and Disasters (SREX 2012), the main gap arises from the fact that the information does not reach the most vulnerable communities
Read More
|
|
The manual is organized in three sections
. Section 1 provides a brief background of CBFEWS and its features. It also discusses about key elements of CBFEWS including risk knowledge and scoping, ICIMOD designed CBFEWS and its monitoring and information dissemination, and response capability and resilience building. Section 2 provides details of instrument including introduction of tools that are used to fix the instrument, hands on practice of assemble and disassemble of the instrument, installation process of the instrument in the field and operating, monitoring, repairing and maintenance of the instruments. It also gives information on hands-on training and evidence about impact on the ground. Section 3 provides a list of reference materials
Read More
|
|
On 5 May 2012, a flash flood originating in the Seti river swept away Kharapani, a settlement also known as Tatopani in Sardikhola Village Development Committee (VDC), killing people and destroying the lives and livelihoods of people living and working along the river
. This paper explores the perceptions and responses of flood affected people. It also looks at the impacts of the flood on people’s livelihoods and their short-term and long-term strategies for coping with and adapting to the destruction caused by the flash flood. Using data based on a qualitative survey, the study recognized the pro-active and effective contributions of social networks and nongovernmental institutions in the post-disaster situation. Although the disaster response required a lengthy process, the flood affected people still felt that the government intervention was slower than expected. This paper outlines the need for the government to have practical strategies and plans to address and respond to localized disasters like the Seti flash flood immediately. At the community level, it also illustrates the role of awareness and preparedness in minimizing the adverse effects of flash floods. The paper concluded that collaborative efforts between governmental and nongovernmental institutions prove instrumental in dealing with the post-disaster situation.
Read More
|
|
Flash floods are among the most destructive natural disasters in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region
. They are sudden events that allow very little time to react, and they often occur in remote and isolated mountain catchments where few, if any, institutions exist that are equipped to deal with disaster mitigation. Flash flood mitigation is generally addressed by community-based organizations, local non-governmental organizations, or district and local-level staff in government organizations. But these groups often lack adequate understanding of the processes causing flash floods and knowledge of flash flood risk management measures. To support the training of planners and practitioners in managing flash flood risk, in 2008 ICIMOD published two modules of a resource manual which focused on community-based management and non-structural measures. This publication, the third module of the series, deals with structural measures. It presents bioengineering techniques, physical measures for slope stabilization and erosion control, and physical measures for river training. The measures described are simple yet effective; they can be implemented using local and low-cost materials with a minimum of external materials and technical support and a low environmental impact. The publication also presents the concept of integrated flood management as a component of integrated water resource management. It emphasizes that structural measures are most effective and sustainable when implemented together with appropriate non-structural measures. The manual is aimed at junior to mid-level professionals with a civil engineering background working on flash flood risk management at the district level
Read More
|
|
This paper deals with the diatoms from Upper Mustang Trans-Himalaya Region, Nepal
Read More
|
|
The present work enumerates a total 26 desmids (Chlorophyta) from ponds and reservoirs in and around Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal
. They belong to 8 genera i.e. Closterium (4), Euastrum (4), Micrasterias (3), Cosmarium (7), Staurastrum (3), Onychonema (2), Hyalotheca (1), and Desmidium (2). Of these, 11 taxa are new records for Nepal. Genus Onychonema is described here for the first time from Nepal
Read More
|
|
A total 36 taxa belonging to 7 genera of desmids have been described and illustrated from Bees-hazaar lake of which 11 taxa are recorded for the first time for Nepal
. This is a preliminary work on the desmids from this lake
Read More
|
|
The present communication is a part of survey being conducted to study the fresh water algal flora of Namchi, South Sikkim
. Thirteen taxa of class Chlorophyceae, which include 8 genera, 10 species and 3 varieties, were identified from 6 samples. Spirogyra nitida (Dillw.) Link, Netrium digitus (Ehr.) Itzigs. and Roth. and Scenedesmus bijugatus (Turp.) Kuetz. were the dominant green algae followed by the remaining other rare species of Scenedesmus and Staurastrum. All these taxa constitute new records for the study area
Read More
|
|
The communication deals with ethno-medicinally important plants of Meche community, residing in Jhapa district, Eastern Nepal
. 64 species belonging to 29 dicots, 3-monocot families including 1 fern have been found to be used
Read More
|