Grameen Development Services - Flood Early Warning System

The Problem: The Trans-Sarayu belt is prone to flooding every year resulting in large-scale loss of life and property.

A major factor for these devastating floods is the overflowing of the rivers like the Ghaghra and Rapti in the area.

The Solution: The extent and impact of the floods can be reduced if the people have some prior information about the impending disaster and they can prepare well before-hand.

Especially since intense rainfall and rising water-levels upstream takes many hours before they reach the downstream areas. Therefore a warning system which can pass on information to vulnerable areas about rising water-levels or intense rainfall can give people sufficient time to make preparations to face the floods.

The Result: A computer system was setup with CentOS + Asterisk (PBX-in-a-Flash distro) connected to 4 individual GSM Modems/Lines capable of making voice calls + sms and receives them as well. The system contacted volunteers and aid workers spread across affected areas and could dispense aid and information when required.