Nepal strengthens early warning and anticipatory action through national flood simulation exercise

SIMEX Nepal group photo

Kathmandu, Nepal, 19–21 April 2026 — Nepal has taken an important step forward in enhancing disaster preparedness by hosting its first National Flood Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) focused on End-to-End Early Warning Systems (EWS) and Anticipatory Action (AA).

Water Center for the Humid Tropics of Latin America and the Caribbean (CATHALAC)

CATHALAC
Latin America and Caribbean
RSO
Regional Support Office
Panama
9
-80

CATHALAC Logo
CATHALAC is an international organization based in Panama dedicated to promoting sustainable development through applied research, education, and technology transfer in water resources, environmental management, climate change, and disaster risk management. The Center serves countries across Latin America and the Caribbean and collaborates with governments, international organizations, and research institutions. 

CATHALAC operates as a Regional Support Office (RSO) of the UN-SPIDER programme, contributing to the use of space-based technologies for disaster risk reduction and emergency response.


CATHALAC provides multidisciplinary expertise in:
 

  • Disaster risk management and emergency response 
  • Climate change adaptation and mitigation 
  • Hydrological modeling and water resource management 
  • Environmental monitoring and ecosystem assessment 
  • Geospatial analysis and Earth observation applications 
  • Land use planning and environmental governance 


Hazard-specific expertise includes:
 

  • Floods and droughts 
  • Climate variability and extreme weather events 
  • Land degradation and wildfires 
  • Coastal and ecosystem vulnerability (including mangroves and wetlands) 


CATHALAC has supported more than 50 disaster events in the region by providing technical assistance for decision-making. 


CATHALAC provides access to and develops a wide range of geospatial and Earth observation-based information, including:
 

  • Satellite data processing and analysis (e.g., GOES-16 imagery systems) 
  • Climate monitoring and forecasting tools 
  • Hydrological and environmental modeling platforms 
  • Land use and land cover mapping (e.g., Sentinel-based products) 
  • Environmental information systems for decision-making 
  • Regional platforms such as SERVIR, supporting visualization and monitoring of environmental conditions 


These tools support early warning systems, disaster monitoring, and environmental management. 


 


CATHALAC has extensive experience in capacity development across the region, including:
 

  • Training programs in integrated water resources management, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk management 
  • Specialized courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Earth observation, and remote sensing 
  • Online diploma programs in collaboration with international institutions 
  • Capacity-building initiatives for government agencies, technical experts, and decision-makers 
  • Internship and professional development programs 


The Center has trained professionals from more than 20 countries and supported institutional strengthening initiatives across Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Focal Point: Obed Acosta
Position: Division Manager
Organization: CATHALAC

Address:
Ciudad del Saber, 
Building 111, Clayton
Panama City, Panama

Phone: +507 317-3200
Email: cathalac [at] cathalac.int (cathalac[at]cathalac[dot]int) 

Website: www.cathalac.int
Additional platform: www.servir.net

The 5th CEMS Global Flood Forecasting and Monitoring Meeting

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CEMS Global Flood Forecasting and Monitoring Meeting

 

REGISTER HERE: 5th CEMS Global Flood Forecasting and Monitoring Meeting: save the date & call for contributions - News | Copernicus EMS - Global Flood Awareness System

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04/20/2026, 12:00am - 04/21/2026, 12:00am
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11th Annual UN-SPIDER Beijing Conference and Training Programme

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Resilient Futures: Harnessing Space Technologies for Climate and Disaster Resilience in Asia-Pacific


Beijing, People's Republic of China, 14-18 September 2026

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09/14/2026, 12:00am - 09/18/2026, 12:00am
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Egypt, Kenya and Uganda Partner with UNOOSA and Airbus to Launch ClimCam to the ISS

Success Fitcheck

A new Earth observation instrument designed to monitor climate and environmental change in Eastern Africa has successfully been launched to the International Space Station (ISS). The Climate Camera (ClimCam), developed through a collaboration between the Kenya Space Agency, the Egyptian Space Agency, and the Uganda National Space Programme, represents a significant step in the use of space-based technologies to support climate resilience and disaster management in the region.

Why Satellite Imagery Is Essential for Monitoring Environmental Impacts in Crisis-Affected Areas

Satellite image of oil from the Shahid Bagheri wreck mixing with sediment washed into the Khuran strait after rainfall

The oil slick creeping toward Iran's Hara wetlands shows why remote sensing is no longer optional in conflict zones

 

As the conflict continues in the Persian Gulf, satellite imagery is helping to reveal an unfolding environmental disaster and highlighting the importance of systematic remote monitoring of environmental impacts.

Strengthening Integrated Wildfire Risk Management Across Europe

Forest Fire captured by Egor Vikhrev from Unsplash

Wildfire risk across Europe is rising as climate change drives longer, warmer, and drier summer conditions, contributing to more frequent and severe fire events. In 2025, the area affected by wildfires in the European Union exceeded one million hectares for the first time since records began, according to the Copernicus European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS).

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