Communities’ essential role in early warning
The flood early warning systems in the N’Djili and Kalamu watersheds depend on gauges – enough of them – to understand how much rain has fallen and how much ends up in the rivers. Even with data transmitted to a central point via satellite or mobile networks, water levels still need measuring to see how fast river levels are rising – and data sent. Despite needing little space, measurement points often need community or landowner agreement to host them. On village commons, in schools, churches, or local utilities and businesses, these points also need maintaining – and protecting from theft or destruction. That buy-in is critical as water levels rise very fast in these 2 watersheds, requiring near real-time flood monitoring systems. When properly informed, communities not only cooperate – they also engage.
