The Flood Information Portal
Communication system for information on flood risks
The Flood Information Portal will serve as an agile, accessible communication system to provide Berlin residents with comprehensive information on flood risks, potential flooding, and inundation hazards. Through a user-friendly website, citizens can enter an address to determine whether their everyday locations are at risk of heavy rainfall or river flooding. Additionally, the portal will offer practical advice and recommended actions for emergencies and preventive measures. Over time, the portal aims to significantly enhance the city's and its residents' resilience to flood events. Alongside the public portal, an internal communication concept is being developed for authorities. This will assist Berlin's administrative offices effectively and sustainably manage communication and disaster response during flood events.
Project Milestones
2023: Project Steering Committee and Expert Dialogues
- In September 2023, a steering committee meeting regarding heavy rainfall communication was held. The aim was to refine the project's direction and gather insights and requirements from future users. The findings from this session have been documented under this file. Discover more about what a steering committee involves here.
- In November 2023, an expert dialogue occurred during which key stakeholders in risk prevention and communication outlined the requirements for the new communication tool. These results were also documented in the "HIP Expert Dialogue" file.
2024: Development of a Click Dummy
In the summer of 2024, the Technology Foundation Berlin presented the first click dummy—a clickable prototype of the future website—based on the Senate's concept. This prototype was initially tested in-house through hallway testing, during which experts offered technical feedback. This was followed by usability testing, where potential users evaluated the site's user-friendliness. Feedback from both testing phases was integrated into a revised version of the click dummy.
2025: Finalisation and Programming
The revised click dummy will be finalised by spring 2025. Subsequently, the Technology Foundation Berlin will commence programming the portal in close collaboration with the Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and the Environment (SenMVKU) and the Berlin Waterworks. An initial version of the website is anticipated to be completed by July 2025.
2026: Public Launch
The Flood Information Portal's public release is set for early 2026. Once completed, it will be handed over to the SenMVKU, which will manage hosting and ensure the system is accessible to all citizens. The finalisation of the prototype and the project's completion are expected by September 2026. The Flood Information Portal represents a significant advancement in Berlin's efforts to enhance safety and resilience against flood risks, fostering a better-informed and more prepared community.