The government has introduced the FloodWatch India 2.0 app, providing real-time flood forecasts from 592 monitoring stations across the nation. Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil unveiled the app on Tuesday, aiming to offer comprehensive flood information to the public and improve emergency response.
The app, developed by the Central Water Commission, marks a major upgrade from previous systems, which provided data from only 200 stations. It now includes detailed forecasts on the extent of potential submergence, allowing users to make informed decisions about evacuation and preparedness. Additionally, the app will offer real-time updates on water storage levels across 150 major reservoirs critical for drinking, irrigation, and power generation.
Recent weeks have seen devastating floods and landslides across several states, with torrential rains claiming hundreds of lives and displacing thousands. The current monsoon season has been marked by a 6% surplus in rainfall, exacerbating the flooding situation. Extreme weather events, including severe cloudbursts and landslides, have been linked to climate change and rapid, unplanned infrastructure development in vulnerable areas.
On July 30, Kerala’s Wayanad district was particularly hard hit, with landslides during intense rainfall resulting in 231 fatalities, according to the state government’s latest figures. In response to these challenges, the FloodWatch India 2.0 app has been designed to provide flood forecasts in a user-friendly format, accessible on both Android and Apple devices. It employs advanced technologies such as satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling, and real-time monitoring to ensure timely and accurate information.
The app supports both English and Hindi languages and offers information in both text and audio formats, catering to diverse user needs. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness and improving public safety through technology and innovation.
