Mumbai: BMC Implements Advance ‘IFLOWS’ System to Mitigate Flood Risks

Mumbai, 11th June 2023: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a significant step towards protecting lives and minimising financial losses with the implementation of a state-of-the-art system known as ‘IFLOWS’. This state-of-the-art system aims to provide advanced warnings of potential flood situations during the monsoon season, before 6 to 72 hours, to residents in flood-prone areas.

In a collaborative effort, the Emergency Management Department of Mumbai Municipal Corporation and the National Coastal Research Centre have developed an early warning system specifically created to address the problem of the city’s flood-prone regions. By analysing a range of factors including rainfall, water carrying capacity, topography, land use, infrastructure development, population density, and the city’s network of rivers and creeks (such as Mithi, Dahisar, Oshiwara, Poisar, and Ulhas), researchers have successfully created a robust flood prediction model.

The work of creating this system has been going on for the last two years. To assess potential flood situations accurately, the system heavily relies on rainfall data as its primary source of information. Additionally, the system takes into account daily sea tides, particularly monitoring tidal waves exceeding 4.5 metres in height.

‘IFLOWS’ operates by closely monitoring weather forecasts and rainfall patterns during the monsoon season. Leveraging the collective knowledge and expertise of multiple institutions, including the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, the India Meteorological Department, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Mumbai Municipal Corporation, and the Meteorological Department, the system provides timely alerts to areas at risk of flooding. Crucially, the system incorporates data from a network of rain gauge stations strategically placed across the city to enhance the accuracy of its flood forecasts.