An information system for flood early warning

Abstract

This paper describes an Information System which supports river basin authorities in flood management and flood forecasting. Rainfall-runoff and 1-D hydrodynamic flow simulation models, equipped with an appropriate userinterface, are the kernel of this Flood Early Warning System (FEWS). Data assimilation techniques, based on an Extended Kalman Filter, enable regular updating of the models on the basis of observed data and allow operation of the FEWS in real-time. Results of both updating and forecasts are presented through the userinterface in an easily interpretable format. Options of the Information System this paper deals with are illustrated by describing a recently implemented FEWS for the Nile Rivers in the Sudan. -from Authors