KATHMANDU: HELPAid has donated a supercomputer to support satellite imagery analysis and improve disaster prediction and early warning systems in Nepal.
The donation comes in the wake of the devastating natural disasters that recently struck Nepal. Funds for the computer were raised by Catherine Educational Institutions as part of an effort to support people who were left homeless by the calamity.
Students, teachers, and support staff of the institution raised INR 140,000, while the management contributed an additional INR 160,000, bringing the total amount to INR 300,000. The funds were handed over to HELPAid to support the procurement of the supercomputer.
The HELPAid team, led by Oliver Rayi, Head of Catherine Educational Institutions, said the computer would be used to analyze satellite imagery and support the issuance of early warnings for hazards such as heavy rainfall and floods. The system is expected to assist the Government of Nepal in taking timely measures to evacuate vulnerable communities and reduce disaster-related losses.
According to HELPAid, the supercomputer was provided in response to a requirement listed by the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) on its official website.
Officials from the NDRRMA, including Joint Secretary Mahesh Chandra Neupane, Under Secretary Ram Bahadur KC, Under Secretary Rajendra Sharma, geologist Prakash Pokhrel, and engineer Jagdish Bista, received the supercomputer from HELPAid.
Rayi said every rupee contributed to the initiative, regardless of the amount, could play an important role in saving lives. He said the team would continue assessing the needs of disaster-affected communities through consultations with government authorities and local residents.
Following discussions with National Planning Commission Vice Chairman Dr. Gunakar Bhatta, the team also pledged to return to Nepal for a second phase of assistance. The second relief mission is expected to include medical equipment worth INR 4 million.
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