Climate changes - Freiburg University creates a flash flood index.
The University of Freiburg, along with other institutions, has created a storm surge index (SFI) to make floods easier to predict. This was announced by the university. According to Markus Weiler, a professor of hydrology at the University of Freiburg and the project's coordinator, the SFI provides a substantial enhancement over straightforward rain alerts.
The use of these forecasts will allow residents in affected regions to receive timely warnings in the future. In the long run, the index will assist in minimizing local dangers from storm surges. "We are currently in close touch with several state authorities to promote its usage," he added.
Storm surges are challenging to forecast due to the numerous considerations involved, as per the university's explanation. Factors such as whether areas are sealed or the soil is already wet or saturated play a crucial role in the calculations. These local conditions are therefore factored into the computations.
In early June, a severe weather event resulted in heavy rainfall and flooding in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, which led to numerous deaths, thousands of evacuations, landslides, and dam breaches.
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The severe weather event in early June led to flash floods in Baden-Württemberg, causing numerous deaths and displacements. The university's storm surge index could potentially help predict such events in the future. Incorporating factors like soil moisture and urbanization into their computations, the SFI offers more nuanced forecasts than simple rain alerts. Situated in Germany, the University of Freiburg is actively collaborating with local authorities to promote the use of this index.
