What:
This project will build a modular flood early warning application, which will push SMS messages to people downstream of a flood event in real time. Using inputs from stream gauges (if available), satellite remote sensing of river discharge and flooding, and the local topography and hydrology, we propose to create a GIS-based application that will interpret these inputs and automatically blanket an area with a high probability of flooding with early warning SMS messages. This application could give poor rural villages in large parts of the world up to 24 hours of advance notice that a flood event is coming, and will be flexible enough to work with basic inputs and be independent of cell phone providers. As a pilot project, we intend on working with our colleagues at ekgaon technologies (http://www.ekgaon.com/) in the Terai region straddling the Nepal-India border focusing on the Rohini and Bagmati river basins.

Why:
One sixth of the global population lives in the potential path of a 100-year flood, many in developing countries with increasing mobile phone penetration. Many developing nations have seen cell phone usage quadruple in the last decade, and large numbers of poor rural villagers have access to a cell phone through a reseller nearby. A flood early warning SMS application could reach most people in the path of a flood with access to a mobile phone, and give them time to get their possessions, their livestock, and their families out of the way of catastrophic flood. This application could be applied globally, and with simple inputs, it could be used anywhere where SMS messages can be received.

Why:
NiJeL – Community Impact Through Mapping: NiJeL helps people around the globe tell their stories through maps and mobile technology. Leading this project, NiJeL will build the flood early warning SMS application for global application wherever satellite data and a mobile phone network are available.
ekgaon technologies – One Village One World: ekgaon strives to provide farmers, villagers and local tradespeople with access to the information and communication services and tools they need to be able to contribute their knowledge to the modern world. As a part of this project, ekgaon will help facilitate connections to local groups in our pilot project area, the Terai region of Nepal-India.