Floods are among the most destructive natural disasters of our time. However, Australian scientists have developed an innovative technology that uses existing mobile phone infrastructure and artificial intelligence to provide early warning of flooding – accurately, sustainably and without expensive new investment. This is a real step forward for disaster control. The increasing frequency and severity of heavy rain and flooding are posing major challenges for disaster control authorities worldwide.
Early, accurate and locally differentiated warnings are crucial to saving lives, minimising property damage and coordinating rescue operations efficiently. This is exactly where the new technology from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) comes in – with intelligent use of existing mobile phone networks as sensors for impending flood disasters.
Mobile phone waves as an early warning system
The concept is based on a simple but ingenious principle: mobile phone masts constantly transmit signals that behave differently depending on the ground beneath them. When water spreads across a landscape, it changes the way the signals are reflected. Researchers led by Professor Jay Guo have developed a method to precisely measure these changes and analyse them using artificial intelligence.
The AI evaluates the data and creates a dynamic visualisation – a so-called digital twin – that shows how the water is moving in real time and how it could spread in the coming hours. This is based on topographical information, building data and geoinformation from the monitored region. These simulations make it possible not only to observe what is happening, but also to predict it.
Early, targeted and scalable warnings
This offers several key advantages for disaster control: warnings can be issued much earlier than before – even before water levels reach critical marks at conventional gauging stations. The predictions are also very accurate at a local level and take into account small-scale differences in terrain. This means that warnings can be targeted at those areas that will actually be affected, rather than issuing broad, often inaccurate general warnings.
At the same time, the system allows for better planning of evacuation measures, the targeted deployment of emergency services and more effective use of resources such as sandbags or emergency power generators. Disaster control can not only react, but also act proactively – a paradigm shift in operational strategy.
Proven technology with minimal infrastructure requirements
Another key advantage for authorities is that no new physical sensor network needs to be set up. All monitoring is carried out via existing mobile phone masts. This saves costs, shortens implementation time and makes the solution attractive even for regions with limited budgets or difficult topography. Even remote areas can thus be integrated into a comprehensive warning system with relatively little effort.
Field trials on the Parramatta and Georges Rivers in Sydney were successful. Supported by mobile communications provider TPG Telecom, the system proved its practical suitability. Authorities such as the New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) see the technology as a significant step forward. The combination of real-time data and predictive capabilities not only enables early response, but also more efficient coordination of operations.
Setting new standards for modern civil protection
According to SES Commissioner Mike Wassing, this technology opens up new possibilities for operational intelligence and real-time response management. In the future, the systems could play a central role in modern control centres, enabling risks to be assessed more quickly, emergency services to be directed more precisely and information flows to be better synchronised. The system also helps after the disaster by providing accurate data on the course of the flood, thus supporting reconstruction and prevention planning.
The Australian solution impressively demonstrates that effective disaster control does not necessarily require costly new investments or large-scale technological projects. Instead, it shows how existing infrastructure can be used intelligently to improve the safety of people and infrastructure. Integration into existing 5G networks is expected to further increase data quality and speed in the future.
Paving the way for international applications
Given the global threat posed by extreme weather events, the system has international potential. It could be particularly useful in areas where it is not feasible to set up conventional measurement systems across large areas, such as in developing countries, densely populated coastal areas or disaster hotspots. The system’s scalability and adaptability make it a model for modern, intelligent civil protection.
UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Parfitt emphasises that collaboration with partners such as TPG Telecom and the New South Wales government was crucial in quickly translating research findings into practice. The technology is not only innovative, but also ready for use – and ready to save lives on a large scale.
Conclusion
The combination of mobile communications technology, artificial intelligence and digital twins marks a milestone in disaster management.
Early, accurate and locally differentiated warnings enable authorities to respond much more effectively and significantly reduce the risk to people and infrastructure. The Australian system impressively demonstrates how intelligent technology can become a life-saving tool in times of climate change – not only in Australia, but worldwide.
