Early detection
- Networks of gauging stations with level and flow sensors
- Rain gauges measuring 5-minute intensity
- IP cameras for real-time visual verification
- Configurable thresholds by critical point and catchment
Flash floods and DANA: real-time detection and warning
Detection and early warning systems (sensors, weather stations, cameras, sirens, barriers and other warning systems), decision-support software and emergency management.
Studies Acoustic, communications and flood simulation
Technology Sensors, IoT and integration
100% Traced events and history
24/7 Coordinated with emergency agencies
Overview
What do we solve for flash floods and DANA?
The real risk isn't just the water: it's the speed of decision. We design and deploy end-to-end warning and automatic response systems for authorities, infrastructure operators and risk managers who need to protect whole territories from sudden floods.
Decision and automation
- Rules based on thresholds and trends (rapid rise)
- Automatic flow: pre-alert → alert → alarm
- iDam / COMSIR as the decision hub
- Compatible with the operator's SCADA or platform
Warning and signage
- Long-range electronic siren networks
- Variable-message LED panels on roads
- Marking of crossings and critical points
- Integration with the authority's control centre and multichannel alerts
- Automatic barriers and traffic lights at fords and crossings
Physical risk control
- Fail-safe logic with retries and interlocks
- Supervised unlocking for authorised operators
- Complete log of actions and states for auditing
Technical architecture
How a Lafcarr flood solution is structured
A complete cycle of detection, decision, action and logging that runs autonomously or under supervision, adapted to the criticality and configuration of each risk point.
01
Field sensors
Level/flow sensors (ultrasonic, radar, pressure), rain gauges, IP cameras and gauging stations at each critical point.
02
Redundant communications
IP/Ethernet, mobile network, professional radio (PMR/DMR) and optional VSAT. Local buffering and retries to guarantee transmission.
03
Logic and decision
iDam for rules, thresholds, dashboards and history. COMSIR for remote control of signals and warnings. Compatible with third-party SCADA.
04
Automatic action
Sirens, LED panels, barriers/traffic lights and local activators. Fords are closed before the crossing becomes impassable.
05
Logging and auditing
24/7 traceability: signed and time-stamped events, history, video and timeline for post-event reports and insurer audits.
Operational context
Why do flash floods need automatic response systems?
Floods in streams, ravines and urban fords build up in minutes, often without enough advance weather warning. By the time water reaches a crossing it is too late to act manually: vehicles get trapped and people are exposed to currents whose force is underestimated.
An effective early warning system doesn't just detect the flood: it must decide, close, warn and record within a time that doesn't depend on human intervention. Automating the full cycle —from sensor to barrier— is what makes the difference between prevention and an accident.
System architecture
Flash flood detection diagram
Technical diagram of the integrated detection, warning and remote control system for managing flash flood and sudden inundation risk.
Technology involved
Typical components of a flash flood warning system
Level and flow sensors
Level, flow and rainfall sensors to detect rising water and configured thresholds being exceeded at each critical point.
Electronic sirens
Long-range audible warning with local, remote or automatic activation and redundant communications.
Actuators and signage
Barriers, traffic lights and LED panels to close floodable crossings and signal the risk automatically.
Control centres
Centralised supervision with iDam or COMSIR, full traceability and integration with emergency agencies.
iDam software
Decision rules, thresholds, history, maintenance and document management for the system.
Operational benefits
An end-to-end solution for managing water-related risk across a territory
We design and deploy complete systems for public authorities, infrastructure operators and river basin managers. From the preliminary technical design to commissioning and maintenance, we cover the whole operating cycle with compliant, auditable solutions.
Automatic response across the whole area
Integration with Civil Protection and emergency agencies
Standardised test protocols and drills
Full traceability for regulatory audits and insurers
Certified redundant multi-channel communications
Scalable architecture: from pilot basin to regional network
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about flood warning systems
We answer the questions most often raised by councils, infrastructure operators, engineering firms and risk consultants at the design or tender stage.
Can the system be integrated with the operator's SCADA or management platform?
Yes. The architecture is modular and interoperable: it can run on iDam/COMSIR or integrate with the client's existing platforms via standard protocols (Modbus, OPC, REST API). Integration is defined and documented during the project's engineering phase.
What happens if the main communication link fails?
The system has redundant communications (IP + radio + mobile network, with optional VSAT). Each field point also has local buffering and fail-safe logic: if communication with the control centre is lost, the actuators operate autonomously according to the thresholds programmed at the design stage.
Is the solution scalable to cover larger catchments or territories?
Yes. The architecture is built to grow: a pilot catchment can be expanded into a full territorial network without changing the base architecture. Every new point or subsystem joins the same control centre and the same traceability framework.
What power do field points in remote areas need?
They can be powered from the mains or by a solar kit with battery certified for continuous operation. Points in isolated areas run on autonomous solar power, ensuring 24/7 availability without relying on a grid connection.
How are periodic tests and official drills handled?
The system includes standardised automatic test protocols: weekly checks of communications and equipment status, and monthly full-response drills. All tests are logged with a checklist, records and evidence in iDam, available for audit or regulatory inspection.
Which regulatory framework governs planning for flash floods and DANA in Spain?
The Basic Civil Protection Planning Directive for flood risk (Council of Ministers, 21 April 2026) sets out the national framework for planning, consistent risk analysis, public information and coordination between authorities. It is complemented by the Basic Civil Protection Planning Directive for adverse weather, of the same date, which establishes official AEMET warnings as the reference source. Our systems are designed to integrate with the regional and local plans derived from both directives and with AEMET warnings, without replacing the decision of the competent authority.
Technical advice
Does your organisation need an end-to-end flood warning system?
We work with public authorities, infrastructure operators and risk consultants to design and deploy complete solutions: from the preliminary technical design to commissioning, regulatory integration and operational maintenance.
Do you have an environment
to protect?
Every situation needs a system tailored to the
risk, the environment and the regulations. Tell us about your
case: we'll design a functional,
scalable and fully compliant solution.