New App 'FloodWatch' To Provide Real-Time Flood Updates

Amid an increase in flood-related incidents in the country, including loss of life and property, the government has launched a new mobile application (app) to provide real-time information on the flood situation in affected areas.

This app, called 'FloodWatch', will collect data from 338 stations and send instant flood updates to 23 states and Union territories.

The app was launched on Thursday (17 August) by the Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC), Kushvinder Vohra.

The main objective of the 'FloodWatch' app is to use mobile phones as a means to disseminate flood-related information. Not only does it provide real-time updates, it also offers forecasts for up to seven days.

To ensure accurate and timely flood forecasts, the app uses advanced technologies such as satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling, and real-time monitoring.

The app uses near real-time river flow data from various sources.

Users can check the CWC flood forecast (up to 24 hours) or flood advisory (up to 7 days) either by directly selecting a station from the interactive map within the app or by searching a station's name in the search box. 

'FloodWatch' will deliver alert messages and flood forecasts in both written and audio formats.

Currently, the app provides updates in English and Hindi, but it will soon support other regional languages, as well.

The app is now available for download on Android and will come to iOS soon.