How Bangladesh Flood Warnings Could Get a Boost from the Sky

RIMES is an intergovernmental institution owned and managed by its member states, for building capacities in generating and applying user-relevant early warning in Africa and Asia. The RIMES system is crucial for protecting Bangladesh from floods, a major threat in the country. However, the system has certain limitations. These include: 

• Limited data: RIMES often relies on third-party information sources, which can be inaccurate or incomplete. 
• Low-technology methods: Current forecasting techniques are not as effective as they could be. 
• One channel of communication: The system primarily relies on phone calls to deliver warnings. 

To understand how these issues could be addressed, the SEE Lab researchers embarked on a comprehensive assessment. Their methodology involved a multi-pronged approach: 

• Market Research: The first step involved a deep dive into the world of satellite technology, focusing on Earth Observation (EO) satellite services and applications. This analysis provided an overview of key players in the market and the value propositions of their services. Additionally, researchers investigated the technical characteristics of EO satellites, including payload types and specific solutions relevant to early warning systems, particularly for the agricultural sector in Bangladesh. 

• Unveiling the RIMES Information Value Chain: The next step involved developing an understanding of the intricacies of the RIMES information value chain. Researchers embarked on this journey by administering two questionnaires. The first questionnaire, distributed through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), targeted RIMES experts. It explored the structure of the information chain, focusing on the specific satellite systems utilized by RIMES.  The second questionnaire built upon the first, focusing on the performance of existing technological resources. It explored the interrelationships among stakeholders, pinpointed possible constraints hindering the effectiveness of the early warning system (EWS), and outlined suggested aspirations for future advancements. 

• Integrating Expertise from Satellite Operators and Downstream Companies: Interviews with key stakeholders formed the third stage of the research. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with satellite operators and downstream companies to gain insights into how their products and services could contribute to the RIMES system.  This involved exploring the business models of these entities and assessing whether they offered early warning services about natural hazards, particularly floods, with a specific focus on agricultural implications in Bangladesh.  Furthermore, researchers explored the customization options available within their services and examined how these offerings hold the potential for integration into the RIMES information chain to possibly enhance its overall performance. 

The data gathered during the research phase provided valuable insights that can be presented to RIMES for possible future use to improve its system. Here's how satellite data could improve RIMES' effectiveness: 

• Better data: Satellites could provide comprehensive and reliable data on flood risks, leading to more accurate forecasts. 
• Improved forecasting: Satellite data could be integrated with existing forecasting models to improve their accuracy. 
• Advanced communication: Private companies offer solutions like SMS and audio recordings which could reach more people in affected areas. 

The report recommends discussing these findings with RIMES and if agreed, consider establishing a project with resources that could bring together a consortium of public and private entities to improve aspects of the current system. 

In agreement with RIMES, this consortium could be responsible for the governance of the collaboration between public and private partners under the direction of RIMES and could identify the most cost-effective ways to implement the enhancements to the current system. It also would be responsible for technical assistance to support RIMES staff to manage the enhancements to the system to improve flood forecasting in Bangladesh.