Kanjirappally taps technology for disaster preparedness
With landslides and flash floods on the rise due to extreme rainfall events, the eastern high ranges of Kottayam are gearing up for a tech-enabled defence by installing rain gauges to establish an early warning system to improve disaster preparedness.
As part of this initiative, the Wayanad-based Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology has begun a preliminary study to identify the most vulnerable zones within the Kanjirappally Block. According to officials, rain gauges will be installed in these areas to monitor rainfall trends and assess the risk of potential landslides and floods.
'The project also includes detailed mapping of the region, dividing it into 2.5-sq.-km grids based on rainfall data. This grid-based approach will help pinpoint disaster-prone areas and support the development of focused mitigation and preparedness plans,' they said.
With precipitation levels regularly exceeding that of neighbouring regions, the Kanjirappaly region is susceptible to climate change-induced hazards. Officials have identified the hill tracts of Vagamon, Kootickal, Enthayar, Elamkadu, Koruthodu and Kanamala as priority zones where the risk of cloudbursts and landslides is especially high.
A couple of weeks ago, the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), and the Environmental Resources Research Centre (ERRC) joined forces to deploy an automated landslide warning system in the region. Supported by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, three Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) have been set up in Theekoy, Poonjar Thekkekara, and Moonnilavu panchayats, all located within the Meenachil river basin.
These AWS units continuously track key environmental parameters such as wind speed, humidity, temperature, rainfall, soil moisture, and soil temperature. The real-time data is transmitted to servers at CUSAT, where it is analysed for early signs of potential disasters.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
16 hours ago
- The Hindu
19th National Statistics Day celebrated
Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (SPMVV) Department of Statistics marked the 19th National Statistics Day to commemorate 133rd birth anniversary of Prashanth Chandra Mahalanobis, considered the 'Father of Indian Statistics'. The programme was organised in association with the Indian Society for Probability and Statistics (ISPS) Data Science Centre, Tirupati, on Sunday. ISPS honorary president Prof. P. Rajasekhara Reddy stressed on the need for the recently-opened Data Science Centre to promote Statistics among the younger generation, who are reportedly less inclined towards this field of science. He also shed light on the courses to be offered by the centre from the academic year 2025-26. 'The Data Science Centre will be a knowledge hub for many budding statisticians and will serve as a consultancy centre for applied researchers,' Prof. Reddy said. Prof. V. Uma, Vice-Chancellor of SPMVV, who inaugurated the Prof M. Mathai Self Study Library at the centre, called statistics an indispensable subject playing a vital role in any field of research. Prof. Venkat Ikkurthy, a US-based statistician and researcher, highlighted the need for a dedicated team of well trained statistical experts to address the challenging issues that arise in Machine Learning and also to extend their expertise in Artificial Intelligence.
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
AI startup LogicFlo raises $2.7 million in seed funding from Lightspeed, others
Synopsis The fresh funds will be used to scale and develop its AI agent workforce across global life sciences enterprises, build its engineering team, and integrate with some legacy platforms within the life sciences segment. The Boston-based startup uses AI agents to automate and raise the level of efficiency of scientific knowledge work within highly regulated industries.
India.com
17 hours ago
- India.com
Why Are Astrophotographers Flocking To Mumbai? The Truth Will Amaze You!
Mumbai stands as a metropolitan powerhouse where people know it as the 'City of Dreams' despite its international fame for culture plus Bollywood and economic success. The city of Mumbai maintains a unique status among people who enjoy watching the stars. Mumbai stands out from typical urban areas because it allows astronomy enthusiasts to observe the night sky despite its common water source pollution. The astronomical attractions of Mumbai emerge as clear as day even when considering its various hindrances. 1. The Presence of Amateur Astronomy Clubs Due to active amateur astronomy clubs in Mumbai an enthusiastic stargazer community flourishes throughout the city. Stargazing events and workshops and lectures are commonly organized by ASI and the Mumbai Astronomy Club along with other local groups throughout the city. These astronomical clubs give members access to telescopic equipment and expert mentorship during events that let them exchange their interests with fellow members. The strong community collaboration among space enthusiasts throughout Mumbai creates an excellent environment where new and experienced astronomers can study cosmic bodies. 2. Proximity to Dark Sky Locations Mumbai suffers seriously from light pollution but residents can quickly escape the city to access dark nighttime skies in the surrounding areas. Areas like Lonavala , Khandala , and Matheran —all within a few hours' drive—are popular among stargazers. The hill station Matheran functions as an outstanding site for observing cosmic phenomena because authorities designated it as a 'No Vehicle Zone' while reinforcing its status as a 'No Vehicle Zone.' Mumbai-based stargazers can easily reach starlit sky observatories from their home without venturing too far from the city. 3. Hosting Major Astronomical Events Native to the city is the regular occurrence of major astronomical events such as meteor showers together with eclipses and planetary alignments. During the Perseid Meteor Shower and Geminids events each year astronomy clubs in the area position telescopes for public viewing at both Juhu Beach and Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The gatherings at these astronomical events bring numerous visitors who feel enthusiastic about watching the stars together. These initiatives develop awareness about astronomy through outreach programs that stimulate younger people's fascination with the field. 4. Educational Institutions and Planetariums The combination of high-quality educational facilities and planetariums in Mumbai establishes this city as a significant astronomical center in the world. The Nehru Planetarium establishes itself as a major national astronomy facility by operating from its Worli location. The establishment provides interactive displays as well as sky presentations and educational programs that make astronomical concepts available to individuals of every age group. University research centers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) perform advanced astrophysics studies that both offer vital academic materials and creative ideas to those interested in astronomy. 5. Technological Advancements and Accessibility The innovation of modern technology makes it simpler than usual to observe celestial objects. Residents in Mumbai can easily analyze space objects using budget telescope equipment and apps such as SkySafari and Stellarium for smartphone devices. Stargazers can use astronomy-oriented online platforms along with social media groups to build connections among themselves. Modern technology makes scientific discoveries accessible to all city residents by giving them the power to explore space discoveries. 6. Cultural Fascination with the Cosmos Astronomical study in India can be traced through thousands of years of history because both the Vedas and Jyotisha Shastra contain observations regarding celestial bodies. Today's Mumbai people continue to show great passion for celestial exploration. Religious celebrations like Navratri plus Diwali organize lunar-cycle-based rituals which blend with ancient astrological traditions felt strongly within Indian culture. Science and spirituality unite to form an excellent environment that fosters interest in astronomy study. 7. Diverse Weather Patterns Offering Unique Opportunities The rainy season in Mumbai can impair visibility from June through September but the city enjoys good stargazing conditions for the other months of the year. The winter season from October to February brings dry conditions which create excellent viewing conditions for observing planets and deep-sky objects as well as constellations under clear night skies. The coastal breeze functions as a natural tool to decrease the amount of turbulence in the atmosphere making the observations more precise. Conclusion Mumbai has developed a successful pathway for astronomical observation because it sustains communities dedicated to this field and allows locals to reach dark-sky observatories and universities which study space alongside local cultural organizations that promote cosmology. The city tackles light pollution effectively even though it remains a persistent issue yet its commitment to astronomy education and technological advancement allows people to witness cosmic marvels. The city of Mumbai provides many ways through which residents and visitors can observe celestial wonders in the vast starry night sky.
