ADB and Kolkata partner for India's first flood forecasting and early warning system

The first Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System (FFEWS) of India is developed for Kolkata with the help of ADB.

The first Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System (FFEWS) of India is developed for Kolkata with the help of ADB. It has been designed to provide forecasts as well as real-time updates from sensor nodes installed at key points throughout the city.

Information generated and disseminated by the FFEWS will enable informed decision-making before and during disasters.

The system includes weather forecasts; flood models for various intensities of rainfall; real-time information on key pump status, sump and canal water levels, actual rainfall, inundation levels, among others; and a messaging system to provide warnings and real-time information to city officials and citizens.

Kolkata's FFEWS is people-centered. It empowers individuals, communities, and other stakeholders to act quickly and appropriately to reduce flood risks.

Real-time information and forecasts will be available on an access-anywhere basis for KMC decision-makers, on the-groundstaff, and other stakeholders. The data will be accessible online through web browsers and mobile apps. Notifications based on trigger values will be provided through the mobile apps, and whenever necessary, text messages will be sent to key functionaries.

Kolkata is the first Indian city to have a comprehensive forecasting system that provides real-time information on inundation, temperature, air quality, and other climate-related data which will help improve the lives in Kolkata.

(With inputs from ADB)