Preparing an integrated flood management plan for Dungsumchu Basin in Samdrupjongkhar

This Technology Transfer Advances Bhutan's

• Nationally Determined Contribution and the needs recognized therein to "enhance climate information services for vulnerability and adaptation assessment and planning" and "develop a monitoring, assessment, and warning systems for flash flood and landslide hazards and risks"

Context

Floods are recurrent phenomena in Bhutan causing extensive damage during the monsoon season (June – September). Due to the climate change, the rainfall pattern has become erratic with a prolonged drought period followed by unusually high precipitation. Flooding in southern and as well as in northern Bhutan is becoming a regular occurence. More preventive measures are required to reduce the population’s vulnerability to flood. However, no detailed engineering study has been conducted in the past of Dungsumchu Samdrupjongkhar to reduce the flood impacts. There is an urgent need in Bhutan to devise solutions to address the frequent flooding problems.

Requested CTCN Response

• Development of flood management vision and objectives
• Baseline surveys and analyses (data collection, hydro-meteorological analysis, hydraulic analysis)
• Flood hazard assessments and development of flood hazards maps
• Recommendation of options to reduce flood risks
• Engage stakeholders and solicit public participation

Relevant Technologies and Approaches

• Flood hazard mapping
• Flood proofing
• Flood forecasting systems

Expected Results

• Enhanced knowledge and skills on integrated flood management of engineers and officials
• Reduction in vulnerability to flood hazard for people and infrastructure along the banks of Dungsumchu in Samdrupjongkhar
• Improved knowledge on best practices for flood management to address impacts from climate change of engineers
• The communities along the banks of Dungsumchu develop increased resilience against climate change impacts
• Increased awareness among communities on flood hazards due to climate change impacts