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Real-Time River Monitoring and Flood Warning System

Solution Overview

Following a catastrophic flood in 2015 that claimed 21 lives and caused over GEL 100 million in damages, Tbilisi initiated comprehensive infrastructure projects in the affected area, including river monitoring systems.[1] The Vere River, which flows through the central part of Tbilisi, represents the most significant flood risk for the city.[1] These monitoring systems form part of a broader flood risk management plan being developed and implemented by Tbilisi City Hall and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture from 2020-2025 at an estimated cost of GEL 20,000,000.[1]

Technical Components

The river monitoring infrastructure includes 3 smart CCTV cameras for real-time river monitoring and 30 satellite antennas deployed across the city.[2] The system provides real-time rainfall and water level tracking capabilities.[2] This monitoring network integrates with the Multi-Hazard Disaster Risk Information System (MHDRIS), which has been developed and deployed at the Emergency Management Service (EMS), where hazard and risk information for all 11 river basins has been uploaded.[4] The technical infrastructure is supported by a high-performance computer (HPC) purchased for the National Environment Agency for quality data processing and storage, which has been operating since 2021.[4] The central information system is being updated to ensure the automatic delivery of information from monitoring stations.[4] More than 140 pieces of high-tech monitoring equipment measuring wind speed, temperature variability, rain intensity, soil humidity and rising water levels have been purchased and installed, forming the basis of a new national multi-hazard early warning system.[3] Out of 154 planned stations, 143 are already in place, including 130 hydrometeorological and 13 agrometeorological observation networks.[4] Additionally, 51 new automatic weather stations are now in place across Georgia, providing round-the-clock monitoring to help forecast and prevent climate-induced disasters.[3] Geological monitoring stations have been installed in 11 landslide-prone locations.[4]

Implementation Details

The river monitoring systems were implemented through collaboration with the French government at a project cost of €735,000.[2] The flood risk management plan includes a combination of structural and non-structural measures, such as the construction of flood defenses, the restoration of the river channel, and the implementation of an early warning system.[1] The broader initiative comprises Scaling-up Multi-Hazard Early Warning System and the Use of Climate Information in Georgia with US$27 million in funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF).[4] The MHEWS project received total contributions of $31,843,756 from Green Climate Fund and Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation.[5] This project started in December 2018 and is scheduled to end in January 2028.[5] In 2019, the government with support from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) launched a comprehensive programme aimed at protecting more than 40 percent of the country's population – 1.7 million people – from hydrometeorological hazards.[3] A forecasting platform - Delft-FEWS across 11 selected river basins has been established.[4] Emergency Management Plans have been developed for 11 municipalities, of which six (Akhmeta, Gori, Kobuleti, Lagodekhi, Signagi and Telavi) have been officially adopted by their respective local authorities.[4] The remaining five municipalities, including Tbilisi, are yet to adopt their plans.[4]

Benefits and Impacts

The monitoring system provides advanced forecasting with 30-60 minute predictions.[2] A flood forecasting platform has been developed for five river basins (Supsa, Natanebi, Kintrisi, Rioni, Khobistskali), with an additional three underway.[3] The platform is currently in testing mode and is expected to be launched by the end of the programme.[3] Risk and hazard maps have been developed for seven individual hazards, along with multi-hazard maps covering 11 river basins: Alazani, Chorokhi-Acharistskhali, Enguri, Iori, Khrami-Ktsia, Kintrishi, Khobi, Mtkvari, Natanebi, Rioni and Supsa.[4] The MHEWS project will directly benefit up to 1.7 million people (40% of the population) currently at risk from hydrometeorological hazards in Georgia.[5] A flood, landslide, and avalanche forecasting database assessment was developed, along with drought monitoring/forecasting platforms.[4] In 2021, Georgia became a member of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to improve forecasting capabilities.[4] In 2025, the programme helped establish a partnership between the National Environment Agency and the European Meteorological Network EUMETNET to enhance forecasting, climate services, and early-warning systems.[4]

Climate Adaptation Relevance

The river monitoring systems directly address flood risks intensified by climate change, particularly the flash flood hazard demonstrated by the June 13-14, 2015 event, which was caused by intense rainfall in the Vere River basin.[1] The monitoring infrastructure enables early detection and warning for hydrometeorological hazards across Georgia's 11 river basins, protecting vulnerable populations from extreme precipitation events and associated flooding, landslides, and avalanches.[4][5]

Business Analysis

The project showcases how cities can build resilience against climate challenges through smart technology and international partnerships.[2] The MHEWS project includes design and introduction of multi-hazard early warning system covering all 11 river basins of Georgia.[5] The project's objective is to reduce exposure of Georgia's communities, livelihoods and infrastructure to climate-induced natural hazards through procurement, installation and operationalization of new hydrometeorological monitoring equipment.[5] The initiative catalyzes a paradigm shift towards climate risk-informed and resilient development.[5] Funding mechanisms include support from the Green Climate Fund, Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation, and collaboration with international partners including the French government and UNDP.[2][4][5]

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