For this issue of Indus ‘In focus’, we’re excited to feature Amanullah Khan, caretaker of the Community-Based Flood Early Warning System (CBFEWS), from Passu, Gojal, Hunza, in Pakistan.

Amanullah’s story showcases how community knowledge, leadership, and mobilisation are instrumental in aiding technological solutions for preparedness and response in disaster-prone areas.

Hailing from the mountains, Amanullah has witnessed how glaciers have increasingly succumbed to climate change impacts over the years. “In summers, the glacier flow increases and remains very uncertain and volatile. There have been instances where we have seen water flow increase abruptly in the winter as well,” he shares.

Amanullah also recounts how the community has been sitting on the edge of fear of disasters induced by such climatic events, particularly the occurrence of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). He adds, “In my lifetime, I’ve witnessed four GLOF incidences. They’ve caused great havoc for the local people and destroyed lives, livelihoods, and livestock.”

Simple solutions such as CBFEWS can help reduce the impacts of floods by providing warning signals to the community when water levels are high. After receiving the signals, the community responds by evacuating to places of safety before the flood hits.

Amanullah has played an integral role in establishing the CBFEWS system in Passu. “I was involved with identifying the site and installing the system. Upon the recommendations of my elders and peers, I was also appointed as the caretaker. I ensure the maintenance of the system, and during disaster events, promptly disseminate information to the downstream community after receiving the warning from the system.”

Amanullah is also pleased with the community’s increasing alertness to flood warning signals. He recalls an incident where his team reached the sensor area to double-check the information after being alerted by a siren. It was a false alarm triggered by a block of ice that had obstructed the water flow, causing the water level to rise only in front of the sensor. The community has provided immense support to help him ensure the credibility of the information and in preventing instances of panic and chaos downstream. The community has also been proactive in response preparedness if flood warning signals are detected. “I’m happy the community has placed their trust in the system and that they’re well-aware of the effective evacuation mechanisms. Women, children, elderly, and persons with disabilities are prioritised”, he shares.

He believes that government ownership plays an important role in scaling for wider impact; he notes, “The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, as the relevant government authority, could allocate resources to out scale this technology to other vulnerable villages.”

Leadership from community focal persons like Amanullah shows that CBFEWS systems work best when the community-led communication network is strong, ownership builds, and preparedness grows.

We are keen on further collaborating with community, partners, and authorities in expanding the system to other disaster-prone areas in the Indus basin and contributing to saving more lives and livelihoods!

Learn more about the CBFEWS system: https://www.icimod.org/mountain/cbfews/