South Asia is known for being vulnerable to diverse hydrometeorological and climate hazards due to its varied geography, dense population, and socio-economic challenges. Between 2000 and 2024, the region witnessed 957 reported disasters that affected over 1.4 billion people, claimed over 230,000 lives, and caused an estimated loss of US$ 210 billion to the economy. Major hazards affecting the region include floods, droughts, and cyclones, which have transboundary impacts and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, droughts remain the single most impactful hazard in terms of people affected, with over 730 million impacted in the last two decades. Heatwaves, another emerging concern in rapidly urbanizing areas, have caused significant loss of life.
| Fragility/Conflict status: | 1 country in conflict |
| Programme type: | Regional multi-year |
| Funding: | $5,250,000 |
| Duration: | 2025-2029 |
| Status: | Ongoing |
Regional Innovation for Climate Resilience in South Asia
Through the South Asia Hydromet Forum, countries co-develop forecasts, share data, and strengthen early warning systems. A new virtual platform for hydromet informed Decision Support Systems (DSS) will connect national, regional and global stakeholders involved in Impact-based Forecasting (IBF), early warning systems and DSS in the region such as local and national government representatives, RIMES, ICIMOD, CREWS and EW4All implementing partners, etc. to exchange experience and lessons learnt from existing DSS. The virtual platform will explore the development of a blueprint for the establishment of integrated DSS and early warning systems, DSS software, database and related standards, mechanisms for feedback from users, etc. to bridge the gap between early warning service providers and end-users. The project also promotes private sector innovation through challenge calls and strengthens last-mile communication using people-centered, gender-responsive, and inclusive approaches. Together, these activities build a smarter, faster, and more unified response to climate hazards across South Asia.
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