Case Study of the Day: Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System in Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, India, is a low-lying city that is prone to flooding. In recent years, the city has experienced several major floods, causing widespread damage and displacement. In order to mitigate the impact of flooding, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has developed a comprehensive flood forecasting and early warning system.

About the System

The flood forecasting and early warning system is based on a combination of numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, hydrological models, and real-time sensor data. The NWP models are used to predict rainfall in the catchment area of Kolkata. The hydrological models are used to predict the impact of rainfall on water levels in rivers and canals. The real-time sensor data is used to provide updates on current water levels and inundation levels.

The system is designed to provide early warning of potential flooding events. The warnings are issued in three stages:

• Advisory: This is issued when there is a potential for flooding, but the risk is low.
• Warning: This is issued when there is a high risk of flooding.
• Alert: This is issued when flooding is imminent.

The warnings are issued through a variety of channels, including SMS text messages, mobile apps, radio broadcasts, and social media.

Impact

• The flood forecasting and early warning system has been credited with saving lives and reducing property damage during flooding events in Kolkata. In 2016, for example, the system issued an alert 24 hours before a major flood. This allowed people to evacuate their homes and businesses, resulting in no loss of life.
• The system has also been used to improve the city’s flood management infrastructure. For example, the KMC has used the system to identify areas that are most vulnerable to flooding and to prioritize investments in flood protection measures.

Conclusion

The flood forecasting and early warning system in Kolkata is a valuable tool for mitigating the impact of flooding. The system has been credited with saving lives and reducing property damage, and it has also been used to improve the city’s flood management infrastructure. The system is a model for other cities that are facing the threat of flooding.

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