According to statistical data, in the first half of 2023, flood disasters affected 30.991 million people and caused direct economic losses totaling 21.04 billion yuan, displacing even more individuals and leaving many families shattered and bereaved. Next, let’s examine the specific, multifaceted impacts that urban flooding has on people’s daily lives.

Urban flooding has a wide range of concrete impacts on people’s lives, including the following aspects:

Traffic disruptions: Urban flooding can submerge roads, streets, and bridges, leading to traffic congestion. Waterlogged roadways prevent vehicles from moving normally, increasing the risk of accidents and making it inconvenient for pedestrians to get around.

Impact on the living environment: Flooding can penetrate residential areas and interior spaces, compromising people’s living conditions. Water‑logged interiors may damage furniture, flooring, walls, and other fixtures, while also giving rise to issues such as dampness, mold, and unpleasant odors, thereby negatively affecting residents’ quality of life.

Water source pollution and water supply issues: Urban flooding can wash sewage and waste into streets and water bodies, increasing the risk of water contamination. This may damage or contaminate water supply systems, thereby compromising public drinking water safety and disrupting daily water use.

Health concerns: Urban flooding can give rise to health issues. Floodwaters may contain pollutants such as waste, sewage, and bacteria, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Prolonged exposure to damp conditions also promotes mold growth, which can adversely affect respiratory health and overall well-being.

Economic Losses: Urban flooding inflicts substantial economic damage. Commercial districts, factories, and warehouses—key hubs of economic activity—can be inundated, resulting in equipment destruction, loss of goods, and production disruptions, thereby imposing financial losses on businesses and merchants. Moreover, flooding can impede transportation, disrupting commercial operations and the normal functioning of the tourism sector.

We cannot prevent these natural disasters, but we can predict them and take preventive measures beforehand, thereby reducing human casualties and economic losses.

Millimeter-wave radar level gauges play a critical role in urban flooding. Urban flooding occurs when a city’s drainage system is unable to adequately manage excessive rainfall or when the drainage infrastructure has inherent problems.

Millimeter-wave radar level gauges are a sensor technology used to measure liquid levels by transmitting and receiving microwave signals to determine the height of the liquid. In the context of urban flooding, these gauges can be deployed to monitor changes in water levels within urban drainage systems, such as sewers, rivers, or other water bodies. By providing real-time level data, they enable city authorities to better assess the operational status of the drainage network and promptly implement measures to mitigate flood risks.

Introduction to the Functions of Millimeter-Wave Radar Level Measurement Products

The millimeter-wave radar level‑measurement product series comprises frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar devices operating at 76–81 GHz. These products offer a maximum range of up to 15 meters, with a blind zone of less than 10 cm. Thanks to their higher operating frequency and wider bandwidth, they deliver superior measurement accuracy. The units are mounted using a bracket‑based fixing method, eliminating the need for on‑site wiring and ensuring quick and straightforward installation.

The product has the following features:

1. Millimeter-wave RF chips enable a more compact RF architecture, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and smaller blind spots.

2. A 5 GHz operating bandwidth enables the product to achieve higher measurement resolution and accuracy.

3. With a narrowest antenna beamwidth of 6°, the instrument is less susceptible to interference in the installation environment and is easier to install.

4. Integrated lens design, compact in size.

5. The display control unit and the water level gauge feature a modular design and are customizable.

6. Operates with low power consumption and has a lifespan exceeding 3 years.

7. Supports Cat1 (4G) and LoRa/LoRaWAN wireless transmission.

    

By deploying millimeter-wave radar level gauges, urban management authorities can monitor water level fluctuations in real time and collect relevant data. This data can be used to establish flood‑warning systems, enabling the early detection and prediction of potential urban flooding events. Consequently, appropriate measures—such as adjusting the operation of drainage systems, clearing blockages in sewers, and increasing drainage capacity—can be implemented to mitigate the impact of flooding on the city.

In addition, millimeter-wave radar level gauges can be integrated with other monitoring devices and systems, such as weather stations, hydrological monitoring stations, and smart city management systems. By sharing and analyzing data, urban management authorities can gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying urban flooding and its contributing factors, enabling them to develop more scientifically sound flood‑prevention measures and urban planning strategies.

In summary, millimeter-wave radar level gauges play a crucial role in urban flood management. By providing real-time monitoring of water levels and collecting relevant data, they enable city authorities to anticipate and mitigate flood risks, thereby minimizing the impact on residents. Prior to the onset of disasters, these systems facilitate the evacuation of people and the relocation of assets, allowing for prompt response measures and reducing the risks and losses associated with flooding.