ICEM, along with partner JBA, is currently wrapping up an entirely virtual inception phase for a new project with the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) in Myanmar – Impact Based Forecasting Pilots and Flood Hazard Mapping in the Chindwin and Central Ayeyarwady Basin. This has connected participants from multiple regions in Myanmar and eight other countries to progress impact based flood forecasting.

What is impact-based flood forecasting?

Flood forecasting for river systems provides crucial forewarning to communities about impending flood events. Currently, flood forecasts in Myanmar include information on the expected water level relative to defined ‘danger levels’. Impact based forecasting will take this to the next level with pilots in six towns located in the Chindwin and Central Ayeyarwady regions to provide valuable additional information about expected impacts such as:

Maps of flood inundation extent and hazard

Number of people exposed within the expected flood extent

Risk to critical infrastructure

This locally-relevant information further strengthens the ability of communities and governments to prepare for flood events before they occur. These pilots demonstrate best practice in line with the United Nations Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and World Meteorological Organization guidelines.

Implementing a virtual inception phase

Working within the current lock down conditions in many parts of Myanmar and around the world, the ICEM-JBA team worked closely with DMH staff to bring project management and stakeholders together safely via videoconference for two major events – the Kick-Off Meeting on 24 September and a User Requirements Workshop on 23 October. Strong communication was facilitated by providing full simultaneous interpretation between Myanmar and English languages during the main presentation and meeting discussions. During the workshop, a team of national staff also facilitated discussions in Myanmar language […]