The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Paatil, launched the Version 2.0 of the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile application developed by the Central Water Commission (CWC), in New Delhi on 13th August 2024. The first version was launched on 17th August 2023 with the aim of using mobile phones to disseminate information related to flood situation in the country and flood forecasts up to 7 days on a real-time basis to the public.

The earlier version provided information on flood forecasts at 200 level forecast stations. The Ministry of Jal Shakti has said that Version 2.0 of the app provides current information at additional 392 flood monitoring stations, taking up the total number of stations to 592, thus imparting users with an extensive and detailed overview of flood conditions across the country. Further, this version also provides additional information regarding the storage positions of 150 major reservoirs in the country which shall help in better understanding of the possible flood situation in their downstream areas.

‘FloodWatch India’ utilizes advanced technologies such as satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling and real-time monitoring to deliver accurate and timely flood forecasts. The app also provides flood forecast at nearest location where users can check the flood situation at the station nearest to them. Further, the user-friendly app presents all the information in 2 languages – English and Hindi – and is available in readable and audio broadcast format.

The ‘FloodWatch India’ app is available for download on both Android and iOS devices, providing widespread accessibility to users globally.