Preventing Flood Disasters with AI

Ministry of Environment Hosts AI Flood Forecast Expert Demonstration
Applied to 223 Tributary and Stream Points from May

On the 30th, the Ministry of Environment announced that it held an expert demonstration of the flood forecasting system using artificial intelligence (AI) at the Hangang Flood Control Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul.

The demonstration was organized to identify areas for improvement through a mock run ahead of the AI flood forecasting system, which is being operated for the first time this year. The event was presided over by Minister Han Hwa-jin of the Ministry of Environment and attended by experts in flood and disaster prevention from academia and research institutions.

The Ministry of Environment plans to apply the big data-based AI flood forecasting system to 223 locations, including tributaries and streams, in addition to the 75 flood warning points currently operated nationwide along the main rivers of large rivers starting in May.

Han Hwa-jin, Minister of Environment, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the completion ceremony of the 'Seosomun Office Hydrogen Charging Station' held on the 7th at the Seosomun Office Building of Seoul City Hall. This charging station, built on the site of the existing CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) station, is the first hydrogen charging station constructed within the Four Great Gates area and will begin pilot operation from this day./Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

At the demonstration, the new flood forecasting system was showcased, where the AI flood forecast analyzes the occurrence of floods every 10 minutes for the flood warning points, which will increase approximately threefold, and the flood forecasters verify this to issue flood warnings.

The Ministry of Environment will review the suitability of AI training data and structuring (modeling) together with experts and examine the accuracy of flood predictions. Additionally, considering the increase in flood warning points this year, they will discuss points to supplement the automation and simplification of the warning issuance and dissemination system.

Meanwhile, starting in May, the Ministry plans to send safety alert messages containing the recipient’s location and flood risk area information to residents near flood warning points. From July, navigation guidance will be provided to drivers entering areas near flood warning points.

Minister Han stated, "We will ensure thorough preparation so that the AI flood forecasting system can operate properly in the field through local government briefings and joint mock drills in the future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.