The Situation and Information Center of the Ministry of Transport of Russia (SITC) is creating an AI solution to predict the impact of floods on transport infrastructure. Its task is to improve safety at transport facilities during periods of flooding.
The system is based on the so-called "hydrologist robot." It analyzes data from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia's "Atlas of Hazards and Risks" system in real time. As soon as information about the start of a flood appears, the algorithm immediately determines the zones of possible flooding and compares them with a map of transport facilities.
The system does not just record the flood, but predicts the consequences. It is able to calculate the risks for infrastructure in advance and indicate the specific place and time when traffic on the highway may be difficult or completely blocked.
The AI will also promptly transmit information to transport services. This will allow measures to be taken in advance — for example, pumping out water or closing dangerous sections of roads.
According to the Ministry of Transport, from 40 to 70 major floods occur annually in Russia. Transport infrastructure facilities may be at risk. The new system is being created to help specialists of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and will allow real-time monitoring of potentially dangerous areas.
As Alexander Kislyakov, Director of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "SITC of the Ministry of Transport of Russia," noted, when every minute counts, this technology can not only minimize the consequences of floods, but also save human lives.