ID: 1871
Presenting Author: Phillip Ziduche
Session: 652 - EA in Latin America: Bridging Infrastructure and Communities for Sustainable Development
Status: pending
Effective Ealy Warning System for alerting downstream communities of dam- induced flooding.
The release of above normal water discharge from large dams poses potential substantial socioeconomic and environmental impacts to the downstream communities and stakeholders. The release could be due to opening of flood control gates, partial dam failure or total dam failure. Whilst Emergency Preparedness Plans for dams are developed, there exists a gap and need to bolster the notification communication flow systems to communities and stakeholders in the line of flood harm in a clear and undistorted manner.
The paper explores experiences regarding the Kariba Dam Early Warning System (EWS) that is under implementation, with the baseline studies and EWS design having been completed. This will enhance dam operators and disaster agencies reconsider their approaches in EWSs to eliminate misinformation and disinformation in notification systems and bolster dam Emergency Preparedness and Plans.
The presentation will look at a variety of factors including technical, and design related, governance and regulatory in a binational dam scenario as well as stakeholder engagement and buy in, multiple approach in alerting while avoiding/elimination misinformation and disinformation. Early Warning System testing along with its challenges and mitigation measures shall be explored too. The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) and automation will be emphasized to bolster capabilities and synergies in risk detection and alerting.
The international guidelines incorporated in the Kariba Dam Early Warning System shall be highlighted including FEMA, FERC and WB.
Phillip Ziduche has 17 years experience in sustainability covering Environment and OHS accross mining, hydropower projects, energy and construction sectors. Accreduted Assessor - HSA
Coauthor 1: Munyaradzi Munodawafa
Coauthor 2: Edward Kabwe
Coauthor 3: Christopher Chisense
Coauthor 4: Sithembinkosi Mhlanga
Coauthor 5: Mwelwa Nsaka Sata