Flash flood alerts: How sonar IoT systems help protect communities in Honduras
By Deepak Puri
Rivers in Honduras flood frequently and suddenly, wreaking havoc, washing away houses, ruining crops and displacing families. Could IoT help provide early warning of floods?
Robert Ryan-Silva took on this challenge with the Hidrosónico project. As director of theDAI maker lab, he’s an expert in applying technology for humanitarian projects around the world.
The Hidrosónico project uses sonar sensors mounted to bridges to measure the water level below. The sensors send high-frequency sounds onto the water and measure how long it takes for the echo to reflect back. As the rivers flood, water levels rise, and the return time for the echo shrinks because there's a shorter distance to traverse.