Google is now broadcasting flood predictions for several rivers in Belgium using artificial intelligence (AI).
These predictions can extend up to seven days, the US giant says.
Google launched its own flood forecasting service in 2018, first in India and then in Bangladesh. It later expanded the service to several countries in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Today, the ‘Flood Hub’ covers 80 countries, including Belgium.
In Belgium, the service displays the evolution of the level of rivers such as the Dender, Ourthe, Vesdre and Amblève.
The aim of the ‘Flood Hub’ is to help governments, NGOs and people in at-risk areas to prepare more effectively.The technology company says it is also working on issuing flood warnings through its search engine and 'Google Maps' mapping application.
Google says its “hydrological model” is the first working model to use machine learning to generate improved forecasts in locations around the world.
FloodHub combines hydrological forecasts with satellite imagery to determine geographic areas at risk of flooding.
