AI set to help predict floods and protect communities
ACADEMICS have developed an artificial intelligence tool to predict floods and protect at risk communities with an early warning system.
The project by Ireland’s Centre for Applied AI, CEADAR, was part of a €9million Ucd-led initiative.
Researchers studied Midleton, Co Cork, Carrick-on-shannon, Co Leitrim, Athlone, Co Westmeath, and Limerick city to create the model.
Dr Omid Memarian Sorkhabi, monitored Middleton’s flooding in real-time during Storm Babet using advanced radar technology and says data will help refine and improve its accuracy.
He added: “Flooding events like the one that hit Midleton during Storm Babet are devastating for households and business owners whose properties are worst affected.
VALUABLE
“The silver lining is that [European Space Agency satellite] Sentinel-1 was right over the area at the time so we have gathered a lot of valuable data that will help predict the extent of the next event and ensure future damage is limited.”
It is hoped the AI model will soon be used to forewarn threatened communities before heavy rain.
This could give authorities time to take measures to limit damage to homes and businesses, evacuate residents and protect livestock.
Dr Sorkhabi added: “We’re in the process of developing, testing and validating the tool.
“But there’s huge potential for it to be made available to local authorities and other projects.”
Many parts of Ireland have experienced significant flooding events in recent months with storms Ciaran, Debbie and Babet hitting the west and southwest hard.
The onslaught saw some towns flooded for days as businesses and householders suffered.