Better flood forecasting in Canada can save lives, experts say

Monday, May 12, 2014, 11:47 AM - Experts say Canada is lacking in our flood forecasting.

We are not using advanced flood forecasting systems and that’s why an organization called FloodNet is being proposed to The Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

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Paulin Coulibaly, PhD, P.Eng, is steering the FloodNet project and says that, “this is something that will be a tremendous help to Canadians.”

FloodNet consists of 30 partners including scientists, meteorologists and researchers who are eager to help Canadians, especially ones living in flood prone areas.

The three main initiatives of this proposed organization are:

• To look at past flooding and relate it to the future
• To build adaptive and advanced flood forecasting systems that can be used all across Canada’s wide ranges of geography
• To follow the environmental, social and physical impacts of floods

FloodNet will develop tools, advanced knowledge and technologies that will allow Canada to better face the reality of floods.

“Scientists know that lead time is key when talking about floods," says Coulibaly, “giving people enough time to evacuate or properly sand bag can save an area and can even save lives.”

With the proper funding and tools FloodNet will be able to do just that.

Toronto is sinking and I don't wanna swim. #TOflood pic.twitter.com/1S6t1ugKFY

— Taylor Yurcich (@tayyurc) July 8, 2013

An enormous amount of hard work has been put into the creation of this project. NSERC will decide this June if FloodNet will be fully operational in Canada.

Check back for updates on this developing story.