Bardiya: On the banks of the Karnali River, a familiar sound echoes through the early morning air: a warning broadcast urging coastal communities to remain alert as water levels rise to 9 meters. For Khushiram Tharu, coordinator of the early warning task force in Rajapur, Bardiya, this is more than a routine drill—it’s a life-saving message grounded in years of preparedness.

After receiving an automated flood alert, Khushiram contacts Parbati Gurung, a gauge reader in Chisapani, to confirm the rising water level. Upon confirmation, he picks up a microphone and begins informing residents of the potential flood risk. This scene is part of an annual flood simulation exercise held every World Environment Day (June 5), reflecting the commitment of flood-vulnerable communities in the lower Karnali region.

The exercise, which began in 2014 with support from Practical Action Nepal and its partners, has now become a vital event. Communities impacted by flooding enthusiastically participate in this community-based disaster simulation, refining their readiness year after year. Khushiram and his team have been part of this effort for eight years.

A wide range of stakeholders participate in the simulation: the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, provincial and local governments, emergency operation centers, disaster management committees, security forces, media personnel, and many others. Local governments are now allocating dedicated budgets for these simulations through the Red Book, signaling increasing institutional ownership.

This year, over 101 Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs) from the Karnali and Babai river basins joined the simulation. The exercise rigorously tests all four components of the flood early warning system:

-Risk awareness

-Monitoring and warning

-Communication and dissemination

-Response capability

During the simulation, once flood risk information is issued, emergency centers convene, and all task forces—including women volunteers and youth teams—spring into action. Using megaphones, house-to-house communication, flags, and sirens, information is quickly relayed across the community. As the flood level escalates from alert to warning, and finally to danger level, communities evacuate vulnerable groups—children, elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities—to safer shelters. Search and rescue and first aid teams are mobilized as if responding to a real emergency.

This year, the simulation drew national attention, with Peswan, a disaster response partner from Kanchanpur, attending to observe. Daman Chand, a Peswan board member, expressed deep appreciation:

“It was a very realistic flood exercise. During real floods, people often don’t know what to do. These drills equip communities with the necessary skills. We’re excited to organize similar exercises in Kanchanpur next year.”

The simulation continues to be a model of community resilience, demonstrating how proactive preparation, coordination, and local leadership can help mitigate the devastating impact of floods.