New Delhi: The Union government said India has strengthened flood early warnings through expanded forecasting systems, digital alert platforms, and new tools to support disaster preparedness across vulnerable regions.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh told the Lok Sabha that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) currently issues district-wise warnings for heavy rain and cyclones four times a day. These forecasts remain valid for up to seven days.
IMD also produces real-time weather alerts and graphical monitoring products. Authorities share these warnings through websites, mobile apps, social media, WhatsApp groups, and the Common Alerting Protocol system.
However, State Disaster Management Authorities and State Emergency Operation Centres manage local sirens and automated alert infrastructure. IMD also supports the Central Water Commission by supplying observed and forecast rainfall data.
The Central Water Commission remains the country’s nodal agency for flood forecasting and early flood warnings. It currently operates 350 forecasting stations nationwide.
Of these, 150 stations issue inflow forecasts for dams and barrages. Another 200 stations monitor river levels on major rivers.
Authorities built the network in consultation with state governments and Union Territories. The system helps local officials plan evacuations and emergency measures.
CWC has also developed basin-based mathematical models. These provide seven-day advance advisory forecasts in addition to short-range alerts with response times of up to 24 hours.
C-Flood platform strengthens flood early warnings with village-level forecasts
The government has also launched a web-based C-Flood platform to improve flood early warnings in vulnerable river basins. The system provides inundation forecasts two days in advance and displays flood maps up to the village level.
C-Flood integrates advanced two-dimensional hydrodynamic modelling with depth and flood spread information. The platform combines modelling outputs from national and regional agencies.
In its initial phase, the system covers the Godavari, Tapi, and Mahanadi river basins. The web portal currently supports Hindi, English, and Odia.
It also categorises alerts based on water depth. Yellow alerts indicate inundation below 0.5 metres. Orange alerts show depths below 1.5 metres, while red alerts indicate water levels exceeding 1.5 metres.
The platform uses satellite datasets and ground-based hydrological observations to improve forecast accuracy.
In addition, the Central Water Commission launched the “Flood Watch India” mobile application on August 17, 2023. The app provides flood forecasts for 200 stations and real-time monitoring at another 500 stations.
It also displays reservoir storage data for 150 major reservoirs. Authorities said the app helps both disaster management agencies and the public take timely preventive action.
The government also said there are no major gaps in generating district-wise rainfall warnings in Punjab, West Bengal, and Bihar. IMD regularly provides rainfall data and precipitation forecasts to the Central Water Commission.
For cyclone alerts, IMD uses multiple communication channels to reach disaster managers, media organisations, and the public.
Authorities issue warnings through websites, SMS alerts, social media, and mobile applications. Fishermen also receive alerts through All India Radio broadcasts, SMS messages from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, and NAViC satellite messaging for deep-sea fishing vessels.
IMD also conducts pre-cyclone preparedness meetings with central and state disaster officials. During severe weather events, the Director General of IMD personally briefs disaster management authorities.
State Disaster Management Authorities and emergency operation centres then share these warnings with vulnerable communities.
However, the government said last-mile communication still requires improvement. Authorities must strengthen mobile connectivity, install more sirens, expand satellite communication for fishermen, and increase public awareness.
The Centre said financial support for such improvements is available through the State Disaster Response Fund and State Disaster Mitigation Fund.
If states request additional financial support, the Union government considers it under the National Disaster Response Fund and National Disaster Mitigation Fund guidelines.
