Google’s AI-based flood prevention system has achieved a breakthrough as it is now able to predict floods four days in advance, not only in data-rich regions like Europe and the US, but also in data-poor regions like South America and Africa.
Google’s achievement is particularly important because most of the world’s waterways lack accurate water flow measurements, making it difficult to predict floods.
Lack of access to reliable data disproportionately affects lower-income countries, putting them at greater risk of flooding without adequate warning. In contrast, higher-income countries tend to have well-gauged rivers and lakes, which allows them to make more accurate flood forecasts.
To combat this problem, Google introduced an AI system in 2018 that uses machine learning algorithms and satellite image data to analyze water levels and predict potential flood risks. The system has now been enhanced to forecast flooding up to four days in advance, giving authorities and communities valuable time to prepare and take the necessary precautions.
This technological advance in flood forecasting could help save lives and mitigate flood damage in data-poor areas. Using the power of artificial intelligence, accurate and timely flood forecasts can be made available to areas that previously lacked such important information.
Source: The New Scientist
