In a village in Kerala, residents rely on an automatic weather station to receive weather updates, rather than weather apps. This system provides critical information regarding rainfall and wind conditions. Anil T.R., a local resident, uses this station daily before work. This village is the first in India to implement a ‘Living Lab’ approach, an ecosystem designed to solve real-world problems through research and innovation, originally developed in the Netherlands.
The system became essential after a 2022 landslide that resulted in three deaths and the destruction of agricultural land. The station provides alerts and updates, particularly concerning heavy rainfall, allowing villagers to prepare for potential hazards. Initially, one station was installed, but now plans are underway to install over a dozen more across the 13 wards of the panchayat. Additionally, the panchayat is implementing an early warning system for landslides, developed by IIT-Roorkee.
Each household in the village receives a link to access weather information, including rainfall, wind speed, and temperature. The information is then shared via a WhatsApp group. The Living Lab approach has also educated residents on standard operating procedures, emergency assistance systems, and evacuation routes.