Andhra Pradesh launches AI platform to predict urban flooding in Vijayawada

The Andhra Pradesh government has introduced an artificial intelligence-based platform, City Flood Alert, to forecast urban flooding and mitigate its impact. Developed by the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) and IIT Gandhinagar, the initiative aims to shift the state's flood response from reactive to preventive measures. Vijayawada, a city prone to recurring floods, will be the first to benefit from the system.

Advanced AI and Satellite Mapping

City Flood Alert combines cutting-edge technologies, including AI, satellite-based terrain mapping, predictive analytics, and hydrological modelling. It provides rainfall forecasts up to 48 hours in advance and flash flood warnings as early as six hours prior to an event. The system uses a high-resolution Digital Elevation Model created from satellite imagery and nearly three decades of historical flood data from the Budameru rivulet, which frequently inundates low-lying areas in Vijayawada. This allows the platform to pinpoint flood-prone zones, simulate water inundation under varying rainfall conditions, and identify drainage channels at risk of silt accumulation.

Early Alerts for Timely Action

When the platform detects a flood threat, it automatically alerts APSDMA, enabling swift communication with District Collectors, Municipal Commissioners, and field officials. This early warning system facilitates preemptive actions such as clearing drains, deploying emergency teams, and evacuating residents from vulnerable areas. Such measures aim to reduce damage and save lives during urban flooding incidents.

Statewide Expansion Planned

Following its initial deployment in Vijayawada, the government plans to expand City Flood Alert to all urban local bodies across Andhra Pradesh. The initiative is seen as a significant step towards climate-resilient urban governance in the state, leveraging advanced technology to address the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events.

This AI-powered platform not only enhances disaster preparedness but also sets a benchmark for predictive governance in urban flood management, according to the RTGS press release issued on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Source: The Hindu