Enhance disaster preparedness for improved forecasting: Minister Shrestha

Kathmandu, May 8: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, has said it is essential to enhance disaster preparedness for effective weather forecasting, which he argued, would help minimize human and property loss.

During an event hosted by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology on Friday, he stated that utilization of water and weather data is significant for mitigating damages of social, economic, and physical infrastructures caused by rain-induced disasters. Minister Shrestha viewed correct weather forecasting carries equal significance in agriculture sector e.g. crop management, irrigation, and production planning. 

He pointed out urgency of bettering understanding of the weather system which was growing uncertain and complex owing to climate change. Promotion of research and adoption of modern technology would be helpful in enhancing the quality of weather services.  

The Minister shared that the ministry was committed to improving the effectiveness of weather forecasting with the application of modern technology like AI, machine learning and advanced algorithms. (RSS)