FloodWatch India 2.0: Advanced Flood Monitoring App Launched

Launch and Development of FloodWatch India 2.0

• FloodWatch India 2.0 App Launched on August 13, 2024, by Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Paatil
• Developed in-house by the Central Water Commission (CWC)
• Upgraded version of the original FloodWatch India app launched on August 17, 2023
• Aims to disseminate real-time flood information and forecasts to the public

Utilizes advanced technologies:

• • Satellite data analysis
  • Mathematical modeling
  • Real-time monitoring
• Available for free download on both Android and iOS devices
• Developed in response to deadly flooding in several states due to surplus monsoon

Key Features and Improvements

Expanded monitoring network:

• • Increased from 200 to 592 flood monitoring stations
  • Provides a more comprehensive overview of flood conditions across India
• Real-time flood forecasts up to 7 days in advance
• Information on storage levels of 150 major reservoirs:
  • Critical for drinking water, irrigation, and power generation
  • Helps understand potential flood situations in downstream areas
• User-friendly interface with information in English and Hindi
• Available in both readable text and audio broadcast format
• Flood forecast for the nearest location on the home page
• Provides likely extent of submergence to aid evacuation decisions
• State-wise and basin-wise flood forecasts up to 24 hours

Public Safety and Accessibility

• Designed to enhance public safety during flood events
• Accessible to users globally through smartphone devices
• Provides easy-to-understand formats for flood information and alerts
• Allows users to make informed decisions about evacuation
• Helps in understanding flood risks in specific areas
• Contributes to better flood management and preparedness
• Addresses the need for timely information during extreme weather events
• Particularly relevant due to above-normal monsoon (6% surplus until August 12, 2024)

Context and Significance

• Launched amid deadly flooding and landslides across several Indian states
• Responds to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events:
  • Attributed to climate change by scientists
  • Exacerbated by rapid infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive zones
• Example of recent disaster: 231 people killed in Kerala's Wayanad on July 30 due to landslides
• Part of broader government efforts to improve flood forecasting and management
• Aligns with the need for technological solutions to address climate-related challenges
• Represents a step towards more informed and prepared communities
• Potential to reduce loss of life and property damage during flood events