KATHMANDU: Nepal plans to rebuild an early-warning system for landslides along part of its border with China after a devastating glacial flood killed more than 1,000 people, two Nepali government sources told Reuters.
Authorities plan to install seismic sensors, cameras and a satellite communications system at Timure in Rasuwa district, where last week’s glacial collapse sent mud, water and rocks through mountain valleys.
At least 1,114 people have died across Nepal and China, with Nepal accounting for most fatalities, while nearly 4,000 remain missing.
Satellite Link to Keep Monitoring System Connected
Central to the plan is a Very Small Aperture Terminal, or VSAT, which would keep monitoring stations connected when mobile networks fail.
Last week’s flooding knocked out at least four gauging stations near the border. One source said an earlier warning system transmitted information every few minutes but was swept away during the disaster without authorities immediately realising it had failed.
Furthermore, officials have surveyed potential installation locations by helicopter. Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority will initially install equipment at one site before potentially expanding the network.
Unstable Terrain Raises Fears of Further Landslides
Meanwhile, officials remain concerned that the landscape could produce additional landslides as it adjusts following the massive glacial collapse.
Two barrier lakes created near the border have drained, reducing the immediate threat, but authorities continue monitoring unstable terrain.
An early-warning system could provide downstream communities only several minutes to respond, but officials believe even that limited period could save lives.
The flood struck a border crossing at 8:32am, while authorities issued a public warning at 9:13am, Reuters previously reported.
Additionally, Nepal plans to deepen cooperation with China on real-time glacier, water-level and upstream hazard data following the disaster.
