KICT to add real‑time rainband detection to Han River urban flood forecasting platform

The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) has announced that it will integrate its advanced early‑detection technology for quasi‑stationary linear rainbands and sudden localized torrential rainfall into the Urban Flood Forecasting Platform operated by the Han River Flood Control Office. The move aims to enhance the precision of flood predictions for the Seoul metropolitan area and surrounding regions.

KICT’s system uses high‑resolution radar data and machine‑learning algorithms to identify persistent rainbands that can produce prolonged rainfall over a narrow corridor, as well as short‑duration, high‑intensity downpours that often trigger flash floods. By feeding these real‑time assessments into the Han River Office’s forecasting model, the platform will generate more accurate warnings and allow emergency services to allocate resources more effectively.

The integration is expected to improve lead times for flood alerts and reduce the risk of damage to infrastructure and property. Officials say the partnership marks a significant step toward a more resilient urban flood management strategy in Korea.