Eastern Slovakia takes a significant step towards flood resilience with the deployment of the FLOPRES project’s initial IoT sensor network. This marks the culmination of nearly a year of development, bringing the latest technology to the forefront of flood prevention efforts.
Real-Time Data for Proactive Action
FLOPRES is a collaborative Slovak-Polish initiative designed to revolutionize flood management. Our comprehensive approach integrates flood modeling, forecasting, and early warnings with real-time data analysis. This empowers not only water management and emergency response authorities at all levels but also individual residents facing the threats of climate change-induced floods.
Members of FLOPRES explaining the collaborative Slovak-Polish initiative to the public., Source: STVR
Strategic Sensor Network Pinpoints Risks
Drawing on historical flood data, three pilot areas have been identified: Svidník (Ladomírka watershed), Bardejov (Šibská water basin), and Jarovnice (Malá Svinka watershed). These areas encompass 40 municipalities and have received the first deployment of 12 water level sensors. By year’s end, the network will expand to include precipitation sensors, soil moisture sensors, and thermometers, reaching a total of approximately 180 sensors in Slovakia.
“FLOPRES significantly enhances our ability to respond swiftly and effectively, minimizing damage,” states Milan Majerský, chairman of Prešovský samosprávny kraj. This robust sensor network provides us with the critical data needed to predict and prevent flood disasters, building more resilient communities.
Milan Majerský, chairman of Prešovský samosprávny kraj and MERATCH – Water Level Sensors using radar to detect the level of water bodies., Source: PSK
Empowering Residents with Time
Unpredictable weather patterns are a reality, but FLOPRES offers residents a critical advantage: time. By continuously monitoring river behavior and identifying potential threats early on, we can provide timely warnings through a dedicated mobile app. This empowers residents to take immediate action, evacuating and implementing necessary precautions before a flood event.
“FLOPRES is a groundbreaking solution,” says Marcela Ivančová, Mayor of Svidník. “It equips us with the most valuable asset in flood situations – time to react proactively when danger approaches.”
A Multi-faceted Approach to Flood Prevention
FLOPRES leverages the power of IoT sensors to create a robust digital infrastructure. Strategically placed water level sensors monitor river fluctuations, allowing us to understand how rivers respond to rainfall and identify unexpected rises that might signal flooding or blockages.
Marcela Ivančová, mayor of Svidník., Source: Markíza
Additional sensors contribute to the comprehensive data collection:
- Precipitation sensors: Measure rainfall patterns to predict river behavior.
- Temperature sensors: Predict snowmelt and evaporation rates, impacting river levels.
- Soil moisture sensors: Gauge water content in the soil, crucial for predicting runoff and potential landslides.
By combining data from IoT sensors with Meteo’s advanced weather forecasting and climate modeling, and using Esprit’s model that incorporates detailed geographic information, we can accurately predict floods. This allows communities to receive timely warnings and take steps to prevent damage.
FLOPRES: A Collaborative Effort
This project is a testament to the power of collaboration, a joint effort between ESPRIT spol. s r.o., GOSPACE LABS, Prešovský samosprávny kraj, Małopolska Agencja Rozwoju Regionalnego S.A., and Meteo.pl. Together, we are building a safer future for Eastern Slovakia, one sensor at a time.