Workshop on Enhancing the Participatory Weather and Water Level Observation in Kerala

A two-day workshop was organized by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) to strengthen the Participatory Weather Monitoring Network in Kerala. The primary objectives of the workshop were to standardize data collection methods, provide training on scientific observation practices as per India Meteorological Department (IMD) standards, foster collaboration among various stakeholders, and discuss the creation of a unified statewide portal for weather data.

The workshop was attended by a diverse group of participants, including Metbeat Weather founder Weatherman Kerala independent weather observers, representatives from academic institutions, NGOs, startups, government departments such as the IMD and Central Water Commission (CWC), and students from Pazhassi Raja College.

The workshop commenced with an inaugural session featuring key dignitaries. The Deputy Collector, in his welcome address, highlighted the success of participatory weather monitoring in Wayanad, which contributed to achieving "zero death" levels during recent monsoons. He emphasized the crucial role played by the HUME Centre's network of over 300 rain gauges and its integration with the DDMA's DM Suite portal for real-time analysis and decision-making.

During Presidential Address Dr. Shekhar Kuriakose, Member Secretary of KSDMA, delivered the presidential address. He recounted the collaborative effort that led to the establishment of the new IMD X-Band Radar at Pazhassi Raja College, thanking the college management and church leadership for providing the land.

Dr. Kuriakose outlined a vision to develop the college into a hub for climate and disaster mitigation studies in North Kerala, suggesting the creation of a permanent forum for independent weather observers and the potential for a new postgraduate course in disaster management. He stressed the importance of creating a standardized framework to officially integrate the valuable data collected by passionate, independent observers.

The workshop was officially inaugurated online by Jeevan Babu IAS, Secretary of Disaster Management. He emphasized the critical need for technological intervention and standardized data collection in disaster management. He commended the work of independent weather observers and stated that disaster mitigation is a collective responsibility of the government and the community.

He highlighted the Wayanad DDMA's model of using data from various stakeholders as a prime example of what the workshop aims to achieve on a statewide level.

Dr. Neetha K Gopal, Director, IMD Thiruvananthapuram, spoke about the importance of a participatory approach to monitoring hyper-localized extreme weather events. She pointed out that while many agencies and individuals collect data, the lack of standardization prevents its official use. This workshop, she noted, is a crucial first step in bridging that gap.

The Principal and Bursar of Pazhassi Raja College expressed their pride in hosting the workshop and the new radar system. They conveyed the college's commitment to supporting such initiatives, recognizing the social responsibility to spread awareness and education about disaster management, especially among the youth.

Fahad Marzook Hazard Analyst from KSDMA delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, college authorities, and participants.

Key Discussions and Technical Sessions

The first day included a panel discussion and several technical sessions focused on creating a collaborative and standardized weather monitoring ecosystem.

Panel Discussion: Participatory Weather Observation and Disaster Risk Reduction – Kerala Model

Standardization and Frameworks

Dr. Neetha K Gopal explained that weather observation standards are set globally by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to ensure data is comparable and usable for forecasting models. She emphasized that the goal is to align participatory data collection with these standards.

Role of Academia & Training

A key suggestion was the creation of a certification course, possibly in collaboration with institutions like CUSAT, to train observers on scientific methods and WMO/IMD standards. This would equip observers to identify and avoid errors, adding a layer of knowledge to the mechanical act of data collection.

Success Stories from the Ground

Vishnu Das (Humes Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology). detailed the evolution of their citizen-science network in Wayanad. What began as a project to study rainfall patterns with 25 sq. km grids evolved into a critical tool for disaster management, providing hyper-local data to the DDMA. This collaboration has enabled precise risk analysis and timely evacuations based on rainfall thresholds specific to different regions within the district.

Abhilash S shared his journey and spoke on the growing professional opportunities in the field beyond government jobs, including consulting for industries like cinema and construction. He called for the creation of official guidelines to help standardize the work of independent observers.

Surjith (Rain Trackers, Malappuram) presented their work in the Nilambur region, where a group of volunteers, including students, monitor a dense network of rain gauges. Their hyper-local data has been instrumental in developing flash flood thresholds for specific catchments, enabling them to issue timely warnings to local communities.

Ebi Emmanuel (Meenachil River & Rain Monitoring Network) explained how their volunteer-driven network emerged after the 2018 floods. They now have over 250 rain volunteers and have marked 14 river gauges, which thousands of people use for real-time flood warnings and travel decisions.

Technical Sessions

Presentations were made on various technological tools and platforms

The DM Suite, developed by NIC for DDMA Wayanad, was presented as a model for data aggregation, analysis, and visualization. It currently integrates data from nearly 250 rain gauges and provides daily maps and reports accessible to the public.

ICFOSS introduced the LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network), an open-source, low-power communication technology. This network allows data transmission from sensors in remote locations without relying on cellular networks, offering a cost-effective solution for expanding the monitoring network into areas with poor connectivity.

KSDMA presented KaWaCHaM (Kerala Warning Crisis and Hazard Management System), an early warning dissemination system that includes 126 sirens across the state, which can be controlled remotely to issue alerts.

The second day of the workshop was scheduled for a field visit to the Meppadi KaWaCHaM Warning System Site and the Chooralmala disaster area for practical field observation.

Key Action Points and Resolutions

Based on the discussions, the following action points were outlined:

Develop a Unified Portal: To work towards creating a statewide portal, modeled on the Wayanad DM Suite, for integrating weather and water level data from all official and participatory sources.

Standardization and Training: To organize a certification course for independent observers in collaboration with academic institutions to ensure data collection adheres to WMO/IMD standards.

Establish a Hub for Citizen Science: To develop Pazhassi Raja College as a permanent venue and nodal center for participatory weather observation initiatives in Kerala.

Technology Integration: To explore the expansion of the LoRaWAN network in collaboration with ICFOSS to facilitate data collection from remote and vulnerable areas.

Network Expansion: To create a framework to scale up successful community-led models from Wayanad, Meenachil, and Malappuram to other districts.

The workshop successfully brought together diverse stakeholders, fostering a spirit of collaboration and laying a clear roadmap for creating a more resilient and informed Kerala through enhanced participatory weather observation.