Government Introduces Real-Time Flood Alert App for Public Safety

Flood forecasts from 592 monitoring stations across the country are now available via a new app, aimed at improving public safety during the severe flooding affecting several states due to an unusually heavy monsoon. On Tuesday, Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil introduced FloodWatch India 2.0 at his office, offering a detailed overview of flood conditions nationwide.

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New App Enhances Public Access to Reservoir Data and Flood Forecasts

Storage levels for 150 major reservoirs, essential for drinking water, irrigation, and power generation, will now be accessible to the public, according to the minister. Previously, flood forecast data was available from 200 stations. The updated app also offers advance information on potential submergence levels, helping the public make informed evacuation decisions. Additionally, it provides flood forecasts for downstream areas of the 150 nationally monitored reservoirs.

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Severe Weather Events Cause Widespread Damage and Loss of Life

Torrential rains, flooding, and landslides have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands across various states in the past month due to an above-average monsoon, which has been 6% surplus up to August 12. Climate scientists link the extreme rainfall and cloudbursts to climate change and rapid infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive areas. On July 30, catastrophic landslides triggered by intense rainfall in Kerala’s Wayanad resulted in 231 fatalities, according to the latest figures from the state government.

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FloodWatch India App Offers User-Friendly Real-Time Alerts

“The real-time flood information and forecasts are presented in easy-to-understand formats, ensuring people can grasp the level and nature of alerts,” an official stated. The FloodWatch India app, developed in-house by the Central Water Commission, is available for both Android and Apple devices. It uses advanced technologies such as satellite data analysis, mathematical modeling, and real-time monitoring to provide accurate and timely flood forecasts. The app is user-friendly, offering information in both English and Hindi, and is accessible in both readable and audio formats.

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