Google expands Flood Hub to provide forecasting for 460 million people in 80 countries

Google's AI-based platform Flood Hub is expanding its flood forecasting capabilities to 80 countries, covering 460 million people globally up to 7 days in advance. The platform uses publicly-available data sources like weather forecasts and satellite imagery to combine Hydrologic Model, which forecasts the amount of water flowing in a river, and the Inundation Model, which predicts areas affected and the water depth. Google aims to expand flood forecasting alerts in Search and Maps too. Flood Hub is part of Google's Crisis Response work that uses technology to provide people access to trusted information and resources in critical moments.