ABSTRACT
Flood forecasting is the prediction of water levels, areas and depths of flooding in rivers and flood plains. Flood warning is the preparation of forecasts in a meaningful format. Forecasts in hydrological phenomenon along with the weather forecasts are of great significance in almost all countries in the world specially for their economic advancement. In water resources engineering, forecasts are of still greater value for the proper utilization of river energy, inland transport, irrigation, water supply and flood control. Forecasts of highly dangerous phenomenon on rivers such as the occurrence of a flood are of great relevance for all the sectors of a country’s economy and to the rural and urban populations around places which are prone to flooding. If timely warnings are given in advance it is possible to minimize the amount of damage by taking precautionary measures like evacuation of persons and property to safer places. Flood forecast is also very important for efficient operation of existing reservoirs. Advance warning of an approaching flood permits the reservoir to be suitably operated for moderating its intensity and also at the same time ensuring full storage for flood relief purposes. If a flood forecasting service is at hand, the initial high reservoir level can be drawn down to the lowest level possible before the arrival of the flood wave, thereby providing enough storage for its moderation and also necessary adjustment of its operation so as to pass the flood and at the same time have required storage in the end.
