Strengthening Hydrological Systems for Accurate Disaster Forecasting Emphasized
The interim government is stressing the importance of a robust hydrological system to ensure accurate disaster forecasting. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, urged all stakeholders to actively contribute toward developing an effective hydrological status and outlook system.
Speaking as the chief guest at a consultation workshop titled "Early Warning for All: Hydrological Status and Outlook System," held on Wednesday (October 9) at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, Rizwana Hasan made the call. Prior to this, she virtually inaugurated a training workshop on the policies and activities of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Gazipur.
She emphasized the need for an effective early warning system, particularly for vulnerable populations whose lives and livelihoods are constantly at risk due to climate-related hazards. The government is working to develop a simple and reliable early warning mechanism to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. A strong hydrological system will enhance disaster forecasting capabilities, enabling timely action to protect lives, assets, and natural resources.
Rizwana Hasan further noted the critical importance of real-time upstream data in this context and highlighted the need for collaboration between government agencies, scientists, and local partners. This cooperation is essential for establishing inclusive systems that particularly benefit vulnerable communities.
The workshop was chaired by Md. Ashraf Uddin, Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, with special addresses from Kamrul Hasan, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Md. Nazmul Ahsan, Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, and Dr. Huirin Kim, Head of the Hydrology and Water Resources Division at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Representatives from government agencies, NGOs, and international partners also participated in the workshop, discussing the challenges and opportunities in building a strong early warning system to address hydrological risks.
