Yen Bai Maximizes the Effectiveness of Automated Rain Gauge Stations

Society

Yen Bai Maximizes the Effectiveness of Automated Rain Gauge Stations

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

YBO - In recent years, Yen Bai Province has frequently suffered severe consequences from natural disasters, particularly flash floods, mudslides, and landslides. To minimize disaster-related damages, installing automated rain gauge stations has become essential, providing accurate rainfall data by location and enabling early warning systems to reduce losses.

Irrigation Department officers under the Department of Agriculture and Environment inspect the operation of an automated rain gauge station.

Previously, the province relied on 10 manual rain gauge points (community-based monitoring), with updates every six hours. These manual readings often lacked precision due to inconsistent collection methods or delayed reporting, compromising the accuracy and timeliness of rainfall monitoring.

Automated rain gauges now transmit data in real-time via 3G, GPRS, or SMS to a centralized management system, ensuring accuracy and continuous operation. They automatically alert authorities during heavy rainfall. The system also includes a smartphone application, allowing not only officials but also the general public to access rainfall information directly via mobile devices.

Since the introduction of these stations, residents of Mo De Commune in Mu Cang Chai District have gained access to scientific and technological information, raising awareness about disaster prevention. Regular training workshops have been held to educate locals on the importance of weather monitoring. The installation and operation process has also fostered community cooperation and support.

Rainfall data is transmitted automatically and integrated into a smartphone application, enabling not only authorities to use the data for professional purposes, but also allowing any interested individuals or officials to access and receive rainfall information directly on their mobile devices.

Currently, Yen Bai operates 135 automated rain gauge stations across its districts, towns, and cities. Station management is directly overseen by local commune and ward authorities, in accordance with Decision No. 429/QD-UBND dated March 28, 2028, which governs the operation and maintenance of the rain gauge system. The Vrain software, developed by WATEC, provides rainfall data services for these stations.

According to Mr. Tran Anh Van, Deputy Head of the Irrigation Division under the Department of Agriculture and Environment, "Thanks to the automated rain gauges, early and accurate rainfall data allows authorities to issue timely alerts and implement response plans, helping residents proactively avoid flash floods and landslides. For instance, during the rainy season, if rainfall exceeds 100mm within an hour, officials can issue evacuation advisories or implement preventive measures.”

Thanks to the data transmitted from automated rain gauge stations, meteorological and hydrological agencies can provide accurate warnings to local authorities and residents, helping them proactively prevent risks such as flash floods and landslides. (Graphic: Thuy Thanh)

Beyond flood warnings, the stations offer economic benefits by supporting local agricultural planning—helping farmers determine the best times for planting and harvesting, and avoid crop damage from heavy rain. As the saying goes, "Better green harvests at home than ripe ones lost in the field.”

Mr. Tran added, "Installing automated rain gauge stations not only enhances safety but also has significant economic value, aiding local economic development. Access to real-time data enables construction firms and contractors to better anticipate and mitigate natural disaster impacts.”

Thuy Thanh

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