An integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for achieving Sustainable Development in Bihar, India

Bihar, a densely populated province in the eastern part of India, is highly vulnerable to various hydro-meteorological hazards with the highest intensity. The region has been subjected to Flash Floods, Droughts, thunderstorms, Lightning, heat waves, cold waves etc during successive years causing immense damage to life and property.

The recurrence of these disasters is diminishing the gain in development and also disrupting the development momentum as scarce resources are diverted towards relief and reconstruction activity. Thus, a robust early warning system is crucial for disaster risk reduction, community resilience and sustainable development.

The Bihar Mausam Sewa Kendra (Bihar Weather Service Centre) has operationalised an Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (IMHEWS) aligned to the Hazrd Calender developed using the historical data (last 30 years) on extreme weather conditions in the region. The IMHEWS comprises a dense network of field sensors, a robust weather database, a state-of-the-art weather forecasting system, and an ICT-enabled information dissemination system with last-mile connectivity.

A key highpoints IMHEWS are:

• Provide area and event-specific early warning with sufficient lead-time.
• The early warnings and advisories are provided in the idiom and frequency that a common man can comprehend and use.
• Interactive helpdesk, allows end users to obtain information and advisory tailored to their area of interest and related to their activity.
• End-users can seek additional information, and clarification, if necessary.

The BMSK IMHEWS assists users in making informed decisions towards transportation, agriculture, flood preparedness, construction, and other routine sector-specific activities.