Flood forecast app launched by Water Commission

Source: The post is based on the article “Flood forecast app launched by Water Commission”  published in The Hindu on 18th August 2023.

What is the News?

The Central Water Commission(CWC) has launched an app, called ‘Floodwatch’.

What is Floodwatch App?

Purpose: To forecast the chances of floods a day in advance.

– To provide a seven-day advisory on the chances of floods at various stations in the country where the CWC maintains its measurement gauges.

Source of data: The app utilizes advanced technologies such as satellite data analysis, mathematical modeling and real-time monitoring to deliver accurate and timely flood forecasts.

Features: The app has a map of India with coloured 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 the circle shows the water level at the station, 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.

Significance: The app marks a significant step towards utilizing smartphones to provide the public with up-to-date flood situation data and accurate forecasts spanning seven days.