Progress in times of COVID-19: Virtual inception for flood forecasting project in Myanmar

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:

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 within six breakout groups followed by a summary presented by a representative from each group.

Both events were opened with a statement from Dr Kyaw Moe Oo, Director General of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. The workshop included presentations from Component 2 of the umbrella project, the Ayeyarwady Integrated River Basin Management Project (AIRBM), DMH, the Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems (DWIR) and Myanma Radio and Television (MRTV). The ICEM-JBA team gave presentations at both events to demonstrate the potential components of an impact based flood forecasting system for the pilot areas and key considerations for design and future operation.

While virtual events are no replacement for face-to-face discussion and a shared tea break, the team appreciated the willingness of all event participants to embrace the new platform while working from their homes and offices. It was fantastic to see the animated discussions occurring within each breakout group. Given the wealth of knowledge held by meeting participants, the workshop might have to be twice as long next time! Both events concluded with expert guidance from participants to the project team on the key considerations and methodological needs for project implementation. The ICEM-JBA team looks forward to continued collaboration with DMH to conduct these pilots and reduce the risk of flood disasters in Myanmar, even while coping with the current risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

–Leila Macadam, International Project Coordinator, Impact Based Forecasting Pilots and Flood Hazard Mapping in the Chindwin and Central Ayeyarwady Basin, Myanmar