Kathmandu Valley is home to over 4 million people and faces growing urban flood risks, yet communities lack local information about intense rainfall and river flooding in their neighborhoods. This project empowers youth and citizen scientists to observe and interpret heavy rainfall and rising rivers using simple monitoring approaches, and to share that knowledge locally. Their work helps neighborhoods prepare for monsoon impacts, and builds a shared understanding of flood risk in Kathmandu.
Flooding in Kathmandu Valley is becoming more frequent and damaging due to intense monsoon rains, rapid urban growth, and increasing pressure on river corridors. Many communities lack timely, neighborhood-level insight into when rivers are nearing overflow or when heavy rainfall upstream may trigger flooding downstream. As a result, floods often arrive with limited warning, leaving households unprepared to protect their homes, livelihoods, and safety.
This project trains youth and community volunteers to observe rainfall and rivers using simple, low-cost monitoring approaches combined with regular field engagement. Participants learn not only how to collect observations, but also how to interpret changes in water levels, recognize flood signals, and communicate what they see within their communities. Through hands-on learning and local outreach, the project transforms monitoring into practical knowledge that supports flood preparedness.
Over time, this project builds a culture of community-led flood awareness in Kathmandu Valley. Youth gain confidence and practical experience in understanding flood behavior, communities become better informed about flood risks, and neighborhoods are more prepared during the monsoon season. As the network grows, local observations and knowledge can support education, safer planning, and future early-warning efforts-laying the foundation for long-term flood resilience.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
