Implementation of the key infrastructural and technological project VEPAR – Project of Improving Non-Construction Measures for Flood Risk Management in the Republic of Croatia – was successfully carried out, thereby taking a big step toward stronger flood protection and more efficient water risks management. Within the project for the client Hrvatske vode (Croatian water management company), KING ICT modernized the hydrological stations network, implemented the central surveillance and incident management system and helped strengthen the safety of key infrastructure, such as pumping stations.
85% of the project was co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund, and 15% was co-financed by partners – Hrvatske vode and the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ). The company KING ICT also played an important role in project realization being in charge of the construction and modernization of hydrological stations, implementation of the technical protection system and development and setting up of the incident management system for flood protection.
“The project is of exceptional importance, not only for the safety of citizens and infrastructure, but also for strengthening Croatian resilience to climate challenges and natural disasters. We are proud that our experts contributed with their knowledge and solutions to one of the largest hydrological projects in Europe”, they said from KING ICT.
Strengthening resilience through digitalization and technological surveillance
The project considerably improved the hydrological monitoring system for surface waters. There were 850 modern hydrological stations installed in more than 630 locations all over the country, which record key parameters in real time – water level, water temperature, flow, sediment, condition of dams, and video analysis of the river bed in case of ice or debris. The technical protection system was implemented at 24 pumping stations where video surveillance, anti-burglary and systems for monitoring the surroundings were installed. Data are collected and analyzed in the central Supervisory Control System (NUS), located in the main flood protection center in Zagreb. NUS uses advanced architecture with several applications for automated incident management, at the same time, regional centers were also equipped for quick local response in crises.
Irreplaceable data for timely defense
The new hydrological stations network and the supervisory control system enable continuous data collection and processing. Thereby better prediction models are ensured, efficiency of risks management is increased, and foundations are laid for faster and more precise preventive measures. The early warning system is now technologically empowered, which significantly increases the efficiency of interventions and reduces the risk of damage caused by floods.
Systems for the future of flood protection
The project confirms that strategic investment in technology, surveillance and automation leads to a safer and more resilient society. Owing to joint efforts of the client Hrvatske vode and expert partners, Croatia is now equipped for faster, more precise and more efficient response in case of flood hazard. The Republic of Croatia will now have more accurate and complete data about the state of rivers, embankments and other water structures, and country-wide monitoring of water levels, as well as faster and more efficient response in case of floods will be enabled. All this contributes to better preparedness, significant reduction in flood damage and, most importantly, better protection of citizens in the future.
