Debris Flow Risk Mapping and Early Warning

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name: Debris Flow Risk Mapping and Early Warning in Italy

This project introduces a groundbreaking method to map debris flow risks and provide timely early warnings. Debris flows—rapid downhill movement of water-saturated soil and rocks during heavy rainfall—pose severe threats to communities and infrastructure.

By precisely identifying high-risk zones and refining alert systems, this approach enhances safety, bolsters infrastructure resilience, and minimizes damage.

It supports proactive disaster management, empowering vulnerable regions to reduce risks and respond effectively to potential hazards.

Loss from floods
$ 0 mn
National railway network
exposed to debris flow
risk
0 %

Impact and Key Findings

1

This project designed early warning systems using low-cost, energy-efficient sensors to reliably detect debris flow risks. By enabling timely alerts for communities and authorities, this innovation enhances disaster preparedness, offering a scalable, cost-effective solution for vulnerable mountainous regions.

2

With real-time risk detection, the system enables stakeholders to implement proactive management strategies, reducing damage and strengthening preparedness before disasters occur. This enhances community resilience and safety, ensuring a swift, effective response in high-risk environments.

3

This scalable early warning system enhances global emergency response, especially in mountainous regions, by enabling faster, more coordinated actions. It reduces disaster impact, safeguarding lives and infrastructure while strengthening preparedness and resilience in vulnerable communities.

Resources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.