Building Resilience: How South Asia Is Uniting to Tackle Disaster Risk

A collaborative effort led by the European Union, the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) has enhanced disaster preparedness across South Asia. Since its launch in 2015, the South Asia Capacity Building for Disaster Risk Management Program has strengthened resilience against climate-related disasters, promoted regional cooperation, and facilitated disaster risk management (DRM) initiatives. The program’s achievements range from improved weather forecasting to resilient infrastructure projects in India, Bhutan, and Nepal.

South Asia, a region that boasts cultural and geographical diversity, has long been vulnerable to climate-related disasters. With over 750 million people affected by floods, cyclones, and landslides in the last two decades alone, the need for coordinated disaster risk management (DRM) strategies is more pressing than ever. Enter the European Union-South Asia Capacity Building for Disaster Risk Management Program, a groundbreaking initiative launched in 2015. Funded by the European Union and implemented by the World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), the program has significantly strengthened resilience in the region.

Fostering Collaboration for Better Preparedness

South Asia’s unique geography, coupled with rapid urbanization and environmental degradation, has heightened the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. In response, the EU-South Asia Capacity Building for Disaster Risk Management Program has sought to boost preparedness by empowering national, sub-national, and regional institutions to manage disaster risks more effectively.

A core aspect of the program has been enhancing regional collaboration through knowledge-sharing and partnerships. The launch of the South Asia Hydromet Forum (SAHF) in 2018 stands as a key achievement in this regard. This forum brought together meteorological and hydrological services across South Asia, fostering regional dialogue and cooperation on weather forecasting and disaster preparedness. Such collaboration is crucial in a region where climate-related hazards often transcend borders, affecting multiple countries simultaneously.

The South Asia Hydromet Forum now serves as a vital platform for sharing best practices and building institutional capacity. It has also led to the creation of the SAHF Knowledge Hub (SAHF-KH), a centralized online platform that provides real-time meteorological data from 3,000 global and regional weather stations. The hub offers training webinars, research papers, and other resources to help national agencies across South Asia strengthen their early warning systems.

Strengthening Infrastructure and Institutional Capacity

Beyond improving disaster forecasting, the EU-SAR Program has supported the development of disaster-resilient infrastructure. A standout initiative has been its support for the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in India. CDRI, led by India, focuses on ensuring that infrastructure systems such as transport, urban structures, and even health services are equipped to withstand natural disasters.

By collaborating with international financial institutions, CDRI has delivered strategic technical assistance to strengthen infrastructure resilience. For example, the program helped develop an urban resilience strategy for India’s National Infrastructure Pipeline and produced guidelines for enhancing infrastructure in cities prone to natural disasters.

The program’s impact is not limited to India. In Bhutan, the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) received critical upgrades through the introduction of the SMART-Met system, which has significantly improved weather forecasting accuracy and reduced preparation time for daily forecasts. Additionally, Bhutan’s aviation sector saw the installation of advanced Automatic Weather Observation Systems (AWOS) at major airports, improving aviation safety and setting the stage for more comprehensive hydrometeorological services.

Addressing Heat and Landslide Risks

In India, where extreme heat is becoming increasingly common, the program collaborated with the government on the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP). As temperatures rise, the demand for sustainable cooling solutions is growing, especially among vulnerable populations. The program’s contribution included an actionable roadmap for reducing cooling demand while maintaining sustainability, as well as launching the "Climate Investment Opportunities in India’s Cooling Sector" report. This effort not only aims to curb emissions but also to create jobs and enhance energy efficiency in India’s booming cooling sector.

Another critical area of focus has been the management of landslide and geo-hazard risks in mountainous regions. The Hindu Kush Himalayan mountains, which span six countries, are particularly vulnerable to landslides, floods, and glacial lake outbursts. To address this, the program employed remote sensing technology to map landslide risks and developed the "Road Geo-Hazard Risk Management Handbook," a vital tool for managing infrastructure in hazard-prone areas. This initiative has provided countries like Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan with the knowledge needed to mitigate disaster risks and protect their communities.

A Collaborative Path Forward

The EU-SAR DRM Program has made remarkable progress in strengthening disaster preparedness in South Asia. Its success lies not only in the technical assistance provided but also in its emphasis on regional collaboration. Whether through the South Asia Hydromet Forum or the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the program has brought together diverse stakeholders to tackle a shared challenge.

As South Asia continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the lessons and achievements of the EU-SAR DRM Program offer a blueprint for the future. By prioritizing regional cooperation, investing in resilient infrastructure, and improving early warning systems, South Asia can continue to build a more disaster-resilient future for its people.