The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology is deploying new rainfall detection tech to improve urban flood forecasting in Seoul.
Key facts
- •KICT's detection technology is being applied to the Han River Flood Control Office's Urban Flood Forecasting Platform.
- •The system is currently undergoing pilot testing in the Gangnam and Kwanak districts of Seoul.
- •The technology uses weather radar data to monitor the development and movement of linear rainbands and localized torrential rain.
- •KICT has been supporting the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment's task force since November 2025.
- •Future AI-based developments aim to provide flood predictions up to two hours before events occur.
The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) is integrating its early detection technology for linear rainbands and localized torrential rainfall into the Urban Flood Forecasting Platform. Operated by the Han River Flood Control Office, the system is currently being piloted in Seoul's Gangnam and Kwanak districts. This initiative aims to improve the detection of weather patterns that exceed urban drainage capacities and cause flash flooding.
Technology and Operational Scope
The KICT technology utilizes weather radar data to track the formation, propagation, and development of rainbands and sudden downpours in real time. By identifying these hazardous conditions early, the platform provides monitoring information intended to support rapid decision-making and proactive disaster response. Since November 2025, the KICT research team has worked with the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment’s Urban Flood Forecasting Task Force to establish operational procedures. Dr. Yoon Seong-Sim of KICT stated that the team is also developing AI-based prediction technology, which is expected to eventually allow for flood warnings up to two hours in advance.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Phys.org.
