Fast, user-friendly and robust: Real-time flood forecasting in Slovenia

Slovenia is a mountainous country which experiences frequent floods. The high costs resulting from flood damages called for the implementation of an efficient early flood warning system. Commissioned by ARSO (Slovenian Environmental Agency; Hydrology and State of the Environment Office), DHI applied its modeling technology to upgrade the existing forecasting system for the two largest rivers in Slovenia: the Sava and the Soča. The system was equipped with a user-friendly platform for the real-time operation and decision support, which was developed in close cooperation with the client. Moreover, we installed web pages for the final preparation of flood warnings as well as for dissemination on mobile devices.

The upgraded forecasting system has already proven its value. During the flood in September 2010, while the system was in its testing phase, it was used to support the issuing of early warning messages. Thereby, civil defence was able to move thousands of relief workers to the right places in time, saving numerous livelihoods as well as substantial amounts of money.

“With the new upgraded forecasting system and well trained staff we expect to save up to 20-30 % of the total cost caused by flooding due to early action. For example, the savings during the flood in September 2010 have been estimated to EUR 50 million out of the total cost of EUR 250 million”, says Janez Polajnar, Chief of the Flood Forecasting Department of ARSO.

Learn more about the project in our Case Story.