Flood Notifier: Arduino-Based Flood Monitoring Device via Short Messaging System (SMS) and Social Media Warning Updates

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Floods are caused by tropical cyclones that affect the people in a community. The Philippines ranks third among countries most at risk for disasters, including floods and storms where it could give devastation in terms of their economic and social impact, accounting for 80 percent of all deaths, 90 percent of the total number of affected people, and 92 percent of the total economic impact. With this, innovations become a part of the modern world giving people different ways to cope up with this kind of calamity. This research aimed to create a device that will not only monitor the flood but can also send SMS and post social media warning updates to inform the community.

METHODS

The Flood Notifier was constructed using Arduino Mega 2560, ultrasonic sensor, Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Node Wi-Fi Module, buzzer, and a PVC tube. These components were wired together and were placed in a pint-sized container to secure the device. Arduino 1.0.6 software was used to program the device and was then subjected to testing and debugging of errors in the program. Flood Notifier's performance of accuracy was examined through Percentage test.

RESULTS

Results showed that Flood Notifier had 100% accuracy in sending Short Message Service (SMS) to the programmed number which indicates that the GSM performs the programmed functions efficiently. The text messages received by the programmed numbers were accurate in terms of the current level and specific advisories given to each level. The device also shows 100% accuracy in posting warning updates on Twitter during the flood. and lastly, it also has 100% accuracy in activating the buzzer when flood reaches the critical level which shows that the buzzer is functioning well in accordance of the programmed codes in the Arduino Mega.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrate that the device will be useful in helping the people of the community to be alarmed at any time when there is a flood, especially on coastal areas. It can also help in disseminating important notice and evacuation plan to the citizens with the use of its SMS and Twitter update which can help avoid traffic and further damages due to flood.