Smartphone-Based Open-Source Flood Discharge Monitoring in Nepal

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Smartphone-Based Open-Source Flood Discharge Monitoring in Nepal

This project transforms flood monitoring by enabling communities to use smartphones to capture short riverbank videos, measuring flood velocity and discharge affordably.

The open-source PyOpenRiverCam software accurately analyzes these videos, integrating data with hydrological models and local input to create hazard and inundation maps.

This approach enhances visualization of flood zones, supports early warning systems, and provides a scalable, low-cost solution for remote areas vulnerable to extreme weather events.

Annual losses due
to floods in Nepal
$ 0 mn
Annual losses for
buildings In Nepal
$ 0 mn

Impact and Key Findings

1

Short smartphone videos from riverbanks and bridges allow precise measurement of flood velocity and water discharge in urban and remote areas. This cost-effective method provides essential flood monitoring data without requiring expensive equipment or complex installations. 

2

The project combines video data with hydrological models and local knowledge to create maps showing flood-prone areas. These maps help communities understand risks, prepare for floods, and improve response strategies to stay safer. 

3

This affordable, accessible approach enhances flood risk assessment in remote areas, strengthening early warning systems. By providing timely, reliable data, it helps protect vulnerable communities and infrastructure, ensuring better preparedness and response to flood hazards. 

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.