Automated Debris Flow Monitoring and Warning System for Yusui Stream, Taiwan

To improve the timeliness and precision of debris flow early warnings in disaster-prone areas, a fully automated monitoring and warning system has been deployed in the midstream section of Yusui Stream, Taiwan. Designed to operate without manual intervention, the system serves as a localized enhancement to traditional precipitation threshold warnings. While precipitation-based alerts are effective on a regional scale, they may fail to account for localized variations in debris flow activity. This advanced system addresses these limitations, reducing unnecessary evacuations and disruptions while enhancing safety in high-risk communities.

The system achieves real-time debris flow detection by integrating two video cameras with 10X optical zoom, two geophone sensors, and a rain gauge. This setup captures both visual evidence and ground vibration signals, enabling accurate and direct confirmation of debris flow events. Upon detection, automated warnings are disseminated through multiple communication channels, including voice messages, Line Notify, public broadcasts, and web-based alerts. This multi-channel approach ensures effective notification even in critical situations.

Beyond its warning capabilities, the system offers advanced monitoring functions. The video cameras record key parameters such as debris flow front velocity and flow height, providing valuable data for emergency response and post-event analysis. Simultaneously, the geophone sensors measure phase speed and flow rate, offering deeper insights into debris flow dynamics and supporting the development of informed disaster management strategies.

The system’s reliability was demonstrated during Typhoon Gaemi on July 24, 2014, when it successfully detected multiple debris flows triggered by intense rainfall. Despite challenging weather conditions, it operated seamlessly, issuing timely warnings and capturing detailed video footage along with real-time depth variation data. These comprehensive records supported immediate relief efforts and contributed to ongoing research and preparedness for future disasters.

In conclusion, this fully automated debris flow monitoring and warning system represents a significant advancement in disaster mitigation. By providing precise, localized alerts and comprehensive monitoring data, it complements existing methods and sets a benchmark for wider adoption in regions facing similar geological or climatic hazards.