Galway team awarded €1m to develop AI-based flood forecasting system
A University of Galway research team has been awarded €1 million under the National Challenge Fund: Digital for Resilience to develop an AI-based flood forecasting system.
The system, known as StopFloods, will compile data to help communities better prepare for future storms and respond more quickly during extreme weather events.
“Over the next two years we will complete the development of a state-of-the-art, AI-based compound flood forecasting system for a number of pilots in Ireland,” project lead Dr Indiana A Olbert said.
“Once operational, this system will enhance the resilience of Irish communities and improve preparedness for the growing threat of floods.”
StopFloods brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including engineers, economists, social scientists and data analysts, offering a comprehensive approach to understanding climate change-driven shifts in storm patterns.
The team believes the project represents a first-of-its-kind initiative in Ireland and could mark a new way of analysing storms and responding to flood risk.
The project is a major collaboration involving the Flood Forecasting Centre at Met Éireann, Cork City Council and other local authorities, Dr Olbert said.
Earlier this year, Dr Olbert was also the recipient of €400,000 for her Integrated Multi-Model, Multi-Hazard Flood Forecasting which looks at “enhancing national capabilities for predicting and managing flood events.”
Once the framework is established, Dr Olbert and her team foresee the system being “replicated and adapted for use” all around the world.