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Google has unveiled that it has been successfully using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict riverine floods for quite some time now. In some cases, Google could predict an area getting flooded by as much as seven days in advance.
Far from mere tech industry claims, these findings have been validated and published in the reputable scientific journal Nature. Since floods are the most prevalent natural disasters globally, introducing an early warning system is a pivotal advancement.
Historically, predicting floods has posed considerable challenges due to the absence of streamflow gauges in most river systems.
Google overcame this hurdle by harnessing machine learning models trained on diverse datasets encompassing historical events, river level measurements, elevation data, and terrain readings, among other variables.
Leveraging this rich pool of information, the company generated localized maps and conducted numerous simulations, numbering in the hundreds of thousands per location. This multifaceted approach empowered the models to anticipate impending floods accurately.
While Google has effectively developed exact models tailored to specific locations, its aspirations extend to addressing the global flood prediction challenge.
Although the company achieved successful predictions up to seven days in advance in select instances, the average forecast horizon stands at approximately five days. Nonetheless, Google remains optimistic, asserting that it has expanded the “reliability of currently-available global nowcasts from zero to five days.”
Furthermore, the technology has notably enhanced forecasting accuracy in underrepresented regions, such as specific areas of Africa and Asia.
The impact of this technology is extensive. Google provides accurate flood forecasts for 80 countries, encompassing a collective population of 460 million individuals.
These forecasts are readily accessible through Google Search, Google Maps, and Android notifications. Additionally, users can access this information via the company’s dedicated Flood Hub web application, which was inaugurated in 2022.
Looking ahead, Google is committed to further exploring the potential of machine learning in refining flood forecasting models. Collaborating with academic researchers, the company aims to optimize its AI-driven approach, envisioning the development of a comprehensive “global end-to-end flood forecasting platform.”
Google’s pioneering efforts in leveraging AI for flood prediction not only signify a significant technological advancement but also hold promise in mitigating the impact of one of the world’s most devastating natural disasters.
As the company continues to pursue innovation in this realm, the potential for enhanced resilience and preparedness against floods worldwide becomes increasingly tangible.
