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Global Flood Awarness System (GloFAS)
https://global-flood.emergency.copernicus.eu

1. Purpose and Mission
GloFAS aims to enhance flood preparedness and response by providing early 
warnings and continuous monitoring of flood conditions worldwide. It serves as a 
vital tool for disaster risk reduction and management, helping to mitigate the impacts 
of flooding on communities and infrastructure.

2. Technological Capabilities
GloFAS integrates various technological components to deliver accurate and timely 
flood forecasts:
• Hydrological Modeling: Uses a sophisticated hydrological model 
(LISFLOOD) to simulate river flows and floodplain inundation.
• Meteorological Data: Utilizes medium- and long-range weather forecasts from
ECMWF, including precipitation and temperature data.
• Real-time Data Integration: Incorporates real-time observations and satellite 
data to update and validate flood forecasts.
• Global Coverage: Provides forecasts for all major river basins around the 
world, with a focus on both short-term (1-10 days) and seasonal (up to 4 
months) flood forecasting.

3. Applications and Research Areas
GloFAS supports various applications in flood risk management and research, 
including:
• Early Warning: Issuing flood warnings to help authorities and communities 
prepare and respond to imminent flood threats.
• Risk Assessment: Identifying flood-prone areas and assessing potential flood 
impacts on infrastructure and populations.
• Disaster Response: Supporting emergency response efforts by providing up
to-date information on flood conditions.
• Water Resource Management: Aiding in the management of water resources 
by predicting river flows and reservoir levels.
• Climate Change Studies: Investigating the impacts of climate change on flood
patterns and frequencies.

4. User Interface and Data Accessibility
GloFAS offers a user-friendly web interface that provides access to flood forecasts 
and related information. Key features include:
• Interactive Maps: Visualizing flood forecasts, river flow simulations, and 
observed data on interactive maps.
• Downloadable Data: Offering downloadable datasets for further analysis and 
integration into local flood management systems.
• Custom Alerts: Allowing users to set up custom flood alerts based on specific 
thresholds and regions of interest.
• Documentation and Training: Providing comprehensive documentation, 
tutorials, and training resources to help users understand and utilize the system 
effectively.

5. Global Reach and Impact
GloFAS covers all major river basins globally, providing critical flood forecasting 
information to countries and regions that may lack local flood forecasting 
capabilities. Its global reach makes it a valuable resource for international 
organizations, governments, NGOs, and researchers working on flood risk reduction 
and water management.

6. Collaborations and Partnerships
GloFAS collaborates with various national and international organizations to improve
its forecasting capabilities and extend its impact. Key partners include:
• National Meteorological and Hydrological Services: Collaborating on data 
exchange and validation of forecasts.
• Humanitarian Organizations: Providing flood forecasts to support disaster 
response and humanitarian efforts.
• Research Institutions: Partnering on research projects to enhance flood 
modeling and forecasting techniques.

7. Notable Achievements
GloFAS has achieved several milestones in enhancing global flood awareness and 
response, such as:
• Operational Forecasting: Successfully transitioning from a research project to
an operational service, providing continuous and reliable flood forecasts.
• Disaster Response Support: Assisting in disaster response efforts for major 
flood events, including providing critical information to support humanitarian 
interventions.
• Scientific Contributions: Contributing to the scientific understanding of 
global flood patterns and the impacts of climate variability and change on 
flooding.
Conclusion
The Global Flood Awareness System (GloFAS) is a cutting-edge tool in the field of 
hydrology and disaster management. By providing accurate and timely flood 
forecasts, GloFAS supports global efforts to reduce flood risks, enhance 
preparedness, and improve response to flood emergencies. Its advanced modeling 
capabilities, global coverage, and collaborative approach make it an invaluable 
resource for managing and mitigating the impacts of floods worldwide.