Flash flood early-warning system

The problem

Flash floods in Jordan form and pass quickly, filling valleys within minutes. The problem is that the water comes down from areas far from the danger zone: rain may fall on the mountains while the valley's residents see none. So the warning must come from upstream, not from where it happens — ten minutes of early warning can be the difference between survival and disaster.

How it works

1. MeasurementA distance sensor mounted above the channel measures the water surface level continuously.
2. Rate of changeThe system calculates how fast the water is rising, not just its level.
3. ContextThe rain sensor and humidity readings support the alarm decision.
4. Alarm levelsThree thresholds — watch, warning, and evacuation — each with a specific action.
5. AlarmA siren sounds on site, and an instant report goes to the authorities and registered residents.
6. The networkUnits upstream warn units downstream before the water reaches them.

Project features

• Warning from upstream gains real minutes — the core of the idea.
• Measuring the rate of change is far more effective than a fixed level threshold.
• It addresses a recurring seasonal Jordanian problem that has taken real lives.
• Three alarm levels instead of a single alert — a detail that shows a mature design.
• It can expand to a network of connected valleys.

Expected challenges

These are the main obstacles to expect during the build, laid out clearly so you know them before you start.

• The sensor sits above moving water, so foam and waves disturb the reading.
• Floating debris may hit the unit or block the sensor.
• Securing power at a remote site far from the grid.
• Communication coverage in low valleys is weak or absent.
• False alarms make residents ignore the real alarm when it happens.

The consultation gives you a solution for each one.

Expected committee questions

Prepare your answers in advance: these questions come up often in defenses of similar projects.

1. Why was the rate of rise used instead of just the level?
2. How does the alarm get out of the flood channel without a cellular network?
3. How is the unit protected from the flood itself?
4. How were the different danger levels determined?

Practice the defense, question by question