Afghanistan: Consultant of “GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) Study in Badakhshan”

Background:

Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) is an international group of agencies established in Europe, North America, South and Central Asia to complement the provision of emergency relief, principally in the developing world. It helps people in need reduce their dependence on humanitarian aid and facilitates their transition to sustainable self‐reliant, long‐term development. FOCUS is an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network.

Glacial lakes are not only the source of mountain water but the potential threats to the downstream communities, in case of outburst of the lakes due to certain geological and hydrological processes in and around of glacial lake. It could be potentially dangerous to the communities due to remoteness and its presence at far distance from the habitat but it is a lurking danger for the habitat. It has not well investigated well in any part of the world and same the case is also in Afghanistan to understand the potential threat of glacial lake, in case of outburst of any potential dangerous lake.
Extreme weather condition is always observed in Afghanistan. It is further worsening and becoming more unpredictable due to the noticeable impact of climate change. Currently, not enough known about the distribution and potential risk of glacial lakes in Afghanistan. However, GLOFs has occurred in Badakhshan in past. There was an incident of GLO in Ishkatool village in 2014. There is a demonstrated need to assess the GLOF hazards and determine number village and people potentially under risk of GLOF. The Afghan mountains have smaller glaciers than other regions in HKH, but glacier volume remain significant in many areas.

Objectives:

The main objectives of GLOF assessment and Village awareness raising.

1. Reduce disaster risk through improved mapping and creating the inventory of Glacial lakes, which are potentially increase the risk of GLOF.


2. Enable communities and government authorities to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to preparedness requirement for risk emerging due to GLOF.


3. Identify prone locations to enhance structural and non-structural preparedness measures to ensure better preparedness and response to GLOF.


4. To enhance community knowledge and other key stakeholders on GLOF risk for better risk identification and preparedness.

Deliverables:

The following deliverables shall be produced within the 120 days assignment time frame:

• Mapping of Glacial Lake in Badakhshan.


• Determine their area and volume (based on empirical relationship).


• Classify Dam type.


• Assess Potential GLOF triggers (Ice, or rock avalanches or dam break).


• Understand the clear picture of glaciers dynamics with the respect to glacial lakes changes and dam break stability analysis.


• Develop a list of top priority communities that could be endangered by GLOFs.


• Orientation to technical team of FOCUS on the process of updating and mapping GLOF.


• Preparation of plan and contents for community orientation and sharing the GLOF information for the multiple stakeholders.


• Suggest the mitigation, early warning and preparedness measure as part of report.

Qualification/Experience:
Following are the qualifications and experiences as desired for this assignment.

• Master or Doctorate degree in relevant field of glaciology, hydrology and other related field.


• Natural sciences i.e. Physical Geography, Applied Geology with specialization in natural hazard risk assessment, prevention and mitigation, Disaster Management with GIS and remote sensing back ground.


• At least more than 7 years of experience in area of GLOF and Glacial processes, HKH experiences are asset.


• Understanding of Disaster Risk Reduction measures in context of GLOF.


• Experience in GLOF hazards ranking and calculating the risk Factors with regards to GLOF.


• Experience in developing early warning systems based on GLOF hazard and risk map for communities in identified hot-spots as well as other preparedness measures for GLOF.


• Experience in linking technical output with community based disaster risk management is desired.