Flood Forecast App Launched By Water Commission

Relevance: GS3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life, Indigenization of technology and development of new technology. Disaster management

(Source: The Hindu, 08/18/23)

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Why in the news?

Recently, the Central Water Commission launched an app, called ‘Floodwatch’, with the goal of using mobile phones to provide real-time flood information and forecasts for up to 7 days to the public.

About the ‘Flood Watch app’

• A FloodWatch mobile app has been released to provide real-time flood forecasts across the country.
• The goal of the application is to communicate flood-related information and forecasts for up to seven days in real time.
• To provide accurate and fast flood forecasts, the app employs modern technologies such as satellite data processing, mathematical modelling, and real-time monitoring.
• Users may use this app to get important information on floods in their area.
• The 'FloodWatch' app will collect data from 338 sites and transmit real-time flood updates to 23 states and union territories around the country.
• Other significant features include forecasting utilising an Interactive Map, where users may check the CWC Flood Forecast (up to 24 hours) or Flood Advisory (up to 7 days) by either directly choosing the station from the map or searching for the station's name in the search box.
• When the name of the station is selected from the dropdown, the location on the map will be zoomed in.
• The app will also give a state-by-state/basin-by-basin flood forecast (up to 24 hours) or flood advisory (up to 7 days) that can be accessed by choosing particular stations, state-by-state or basin-by-basin from the dropdown menu.
• The user-friendly software built in-house features readable and audio broadcast capabilities. It has information in both English and Hindi.
• The user-friendly application is available for download on Android smartphones, giving consumers worldwide access. The software is available for free download from the Google Play Store. The app will soon be available on Apple iOS.

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FAQs

MCQ

Question: With the reference to the Central water commission, consider the following statements;

1. The Central water commission was established in 1945 on the advice of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the Indian Government.
2. This authority primarily works under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2