Govt launches 'FloodWatch' app for flood updates

New Delhi: Government on Thursday launched a mobile application named ‘FloodWatch’ with the aim of using mobile phones to disseminate real-time information related to flood situations across the country.

Central Water Commission (CWC) Chairman Kushvinder Vohra after launching the app said that it is quite user-friendly and is available for download on Android devices, providing widespread accessibility to users globally. The app will also be available on Apple iOS soon.

The 'FloodWatch' app will collect data from 338 stations to send real-time flood updates across 23 states and Union Territories, Vohra said.

The key features of the app include real-time flood monitoring where users can check up-to-date flood situations throughout the country. The app utilises near real-time river flow data from various sources and it also provides flood forecasts at the nearest location where users can check the flood advisory at the station nearest to them on the home page itself.

Its other features include forecast using an Interactive Map where users can check the CWC flood Forecast (up to 24 hours) or flood advisory (up to seven 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 app will also provide state-wise or basin-wise flood forecasts (up to 24 hours) or flood advisories (up to seven days), which can be accessed by selecting specific stations, state-wise or basin-wise from the dropdown menu.

'FloodWatch' will send out alert messages and flood forecasts in both written and audio formats. The app currently provides updates in English and Hindi but will soon be expanded to other regional languages, Vohra said.

This in-house built app by the CWC is, however, yet to connect with flood-hit Himachal Pradesh and its services will be available in the state within six months, he added.

With inputs from agencies