A Real-Time Flood Monitoring and Alert System: Enhancing Community Resilience through Technology Integration – A case Study of River Tana in Kenya

Flooding remains one of the most devastating natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and inadequate monitoring systems. This study presents a real-time flood monitoring and alert system aimed at improving disaster preparedness and community resilience. By employing ultrasonic sensors for water level monitoring, predictive analytics, and SMS-based alert dissemination, providing a robust and scalable solution to mitigate flood impacts. Using the River Tana in Kenya as a pilot site, the study combines localized data collection, stakeholder engagement, and incremental software development. Results indicate a high level of stakeholder approval and system reliability, with real-time alerts providing critical lead times for disaster response. This research highlights the importance of integrating modern technology with community-based approaches to address global flood challenges