Central Water Commission Chairman launches mobile app Floodwatch to provide real time flood forecasts to public using interactive maps
The
Chairman, Central Water Commission (CWC), Kushvinder Vohra today launched the
mobile application, "FloodWatch” with the aim of using mobile phones to
disseminate information related to the flood situation and forecasts up to 7
days on a real-time basis to the public. The in-house developed user-friendly
app has readable and audio broadcast and all the information is available in 2
languages, viz. English and Hindi. Key feature of the app includes real-time
flood monitoring where users can check up-to-date flood situation throughout
the country. The app utilizes near real-time river flow data from various
sources. The app also provides flood forecast at nearest location where users
can check the flood advisory at the station nearest to them on the Home Page
itself.
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, 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.