Flood Watch App

Blog Credit: Trupti Thakur

Image Courtesy: Google

Flood Watch App

The Central Water Commission (CWC) has introduced the ‘FloodWatch’ mobile application, enabling real-time flood forecasts up to seven days. Developed in-house, the app employs satellite data analysis, mathematical modeling, and real-time monitoring to provide accurate flood predictions. With accessible information on flood situations across India, the app offers user-friendly features including readable and audio broadcasts in English and Hindi.

Data from 338 stations will deliver real-time updates for 23 states and Union Territories. The app’s interactive map feature allows users to check CWC Flood Forecasts or Flood Advisories up to 24 hours or 7 days by selecting specific stations, states, or basins.

 

 

On Thursday the launched app, called ‘Floodwatch’, can forecast the chances of floods a day in advance. It also provides a seven-day advisory on the chances of floods at various stations in the country where the CWC maintains its measurement gauges.

Available on Google’s Play Store, the app has a map of India with colored circles at water stations across the country indicating the current risk of flooding. A ‘green’ circle indicates ‘normal’; yellow, above normal; orange, ‘severe’ and red, ‘extreme’. Clicking on a circle shows the current water level at the station, the highest level historically attained, the danger level and warning level. The warnings are in English or Hindi with an option for a voice-enabled prompt.

“The app will also provide State-wise/basin-wide flood forecast up to 24 hours or flood advisory, up to seven days, that can be accessed via selecting specific stations,” the Jal Shakti Ministry, the parent body of the CWC, said in a statement.

Floodwatch uses advance technologies such as “satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling and real-time monitoring to deliver accurate and timely flood forecasts. With this app, users can access essential information regarding flood situation,” Kushvinder Vohra, Chairman, CWC said in a statement.

In the last week, heavy rains have triggered landslides in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand due to a combination of extratropical storms called Western Disturbances and monsoon conditions.

 

Other key features include forecast using an Interactive Map where users can check the CWC Flood Forecast (up to 24 hours) or Flood Advisory (up to 7 days) either by directly selecting the station from map or the user can also search for the name of the station in the search box. The location will be zoomed in on the map when the name of the station will be selected from the dropdown. The app will also provide State-wise/Basin-wise Flood Forecast (up to 24 hours) or Flood Advisory (up to 7 days) which can be accessed by selecting specific stations, state wise or basin wise from the dropdown menu.

Addressing the gathering after launching the app, Shri Vohra said “we are delighted to introduce “FloodWatch,” a mobile app that provides real-time flood situation in the country and flood forecasts to the public. The user-friendly app is available for download on Android devices, providing widespread accessibility to users globally. The app can be downloaded free of charge from the Google Play Store. The app will also be available on Apple iOS soon”

“FloodWatch” app utilizes advanced technologies such as satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling, and real-time monitoring to deliver accurate and timely flood forecasts. With this app, users can access essential information regarding flood situation in the country. The user-friendly interface will make it easy for anyone to stay informed and minimise risk during flood events.

 

 

How does the ‘FloodWatch’ app deliver flood forecasts in real-time?

The ‘FloodWatch’ application employs cutting-edge techniques such as the analysis of satellite data, mathematical modeling, and continuous real-time monitoring. This combination enables the app to process and deliver accurate flood forecasts on a real-time basis.

What is the purpose of the ‘FloodWatch’ app?

The primary purpose of the ‘FloodWatch’ app is to provide the public with real-time flood situation information and forecasts for up to 7 days. Its user-friendly interface ensures that individuals can access essential flood-related information with ease.

How does the interactive map feature work in the app?

The interactive map feature in the app allows users to check flood forecasts and advisories by selecting specific stations, states, or basins. Users can either directly select a station from the map or search for station names in the search box for detailed flood information.

What technologies are employed in the ‘FloodWatch’ app?

The ‘FloodWatch’ application utilizes satellite data analysis, mathematical modeling, and ongoing real-time monitoring to produce precise and punctual flood predictions. These advanced technologies enhance the app’s forecasting capabilities.

How many stations contribute data to the ‘FloodWatch’ app, and how wide is its coverage?

Information is gathered from 338 stations, delivering immediate updates covering 23 states as well as Union Territories. This extensive coverage ensures that users can access flood-related information from various regions across the country.

How can users access the ‘FloodWatch’ app, and what platforms is it available on?

Users can download the ‘FloodWatch’ app for free from the Google Play Store for Android devices. Additionally, the app will soon be made available for Apple iOS devices, expanding its accessibility to a wider range of users.

 

Blog By: Trupti Thakur