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NOAH

FLIWAS: Flood Information and Warning System

The foundation for cross-border flood management will be the widely applicable software FLIWAS, based on standardized data. FLIWAS links information of water systems, topography and infrastructure with local area knowledge and local water management expertise. The system does not only supply information but also advises on actions and measures to be taken. It is easy to use by water managers, emergency management professionals and local government officials. At present no comparable digital information system exists.

FLIWAS is a further development, improvement and integration of (parts of) existing systems spanning river forecasting, geo-information, flood management action plans, flood risk maps and emergency management plans. Relevant functionality has been bundled and will be accessible through an internet-based GIS application.

This will be done in such a way that local government officials, water managers and emergency management professionals (fire brigade, police and emergency health care) are able to use it optimally, tailored to each of their specific requirements and necessary level of detail. It is especially important to significantly reduce the ever present uncertainty caused by scarcity of information during flood emergency situations. By using FLIWAS the right persons will have access to the right information at the right moment. This will enable them to take the right decisions.

At this moment the system is still under development. After the development and test phases are completed FLIWAS will be implemented by the project partners. The modular set-up of the information system enables the user to install only the required functionality (and not be distracted by unneeded functions). After training of different types of users and after the flood emergency exercise at the project partners are completed, FLIWAS can be considered operational. Based on information presented by FLIWAS the relevant authorities and emergency teams will be able to take the right decisions in time and implement the necessary actions and measures.

Characteristics of FLIWAS

  • The entire application will be developed as a multi-language tool: English, German and Dutch will be available with the first version. FLIWAS can easily be adapted for use in another language.
  • A web (internet-browser) oriented user interface with GIS functionality ensures that all options of FLIWAS are accessible in a simple and straightforward manner.
  • With mobile units (PDA’s, laptop computers and suitable mobile phones) it will be possible to access selected functions and information from the field.
  • After processing of all available information by specialists the relevant information can be made available to the public through the internet. The objective is that all stakeholders have easy access to the information which is especially relevant to them, in a clear, timely and understandable manner.