The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) has unveiled experimental online platforms for hyperlocal rainfall forecasting and flood monitoring, specifically designed for the monsoon season in Mumbai. Developed by a team of students, faculty, and staff from IIT-B’s Interdisciplinary Programme in Climate Studies (IDPCS), this innovative system offers real-time information on rainfall and waterlogging, empowering residents to make informed decisions during the monsoon.
The system, accessible through the web portal https://www.mumbaiflood.in/ and the MUMBAI FLOOD APP, provides comprehensive rainfall forecasts and flood updates. Users can access hourly rainfall updates for the next 24 hours on the rainfall tab of both the web portal and app. The system leverages weather data from the Indian Meteorology Department (IMD) main observatories in Colaba, Santacruz, and Marine Lines, as well as over 60 automatic weather stations and rainfall monitoring stations across Mumbai and its surrounding areas. The hyperlocal rainfall forecasts are derived from global forecasting systems (GFS) and further enhanced through AI/ML modeling.
Beyond rainfall predictions, the system offers live water-level information from nine monitoring stations strategically placed at various flood-prone areas in Mumbai. These stations aim to provide near-real-time updates on waterlogging during the monsoon. The platform also allows users to report floods in their areas by filling out a water level form on the web portal or mobile app.
The system extends its scope to include near real-time flooding details for local railway stations in Mumbai, providing valuable information for commuters. Additionally, it incorporates public sentiment regarding the monsoon by analyzing posts on X using hashtags such as #MumbaiRains, offering insights into public perceptions of the weather conditions.
The initiative, spearheaded by the HDFC-ERGO IIT Bombay (HE-IITB) Innovation Lab with funding from HDFC ERGO, is a collaborative effort with the MCGM Centre for Municipal Capacity Building and Research (MCMCR). This comprehensive system aims to enhance preparedness and mitigate the impacts of the monsoon season in Mumbai.
In a separate development, the Regional Meteorological Department (RMC) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai, Thane, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Palghar, Satara, and Kolhapur. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also issued a high tide warning. According to reports, Mumbai has already received over 1,000 mm of rainfall during the current monsoon season.
