Prototype Development of a Water Level Detection System with an Emergency Light Pole and Real-Time Flood Alerts Powered by a Solar Panel Using an ESP32 Microcontroller

Flooding is one of the most damaging natural disasters, especially in the Philippines because to its placement in the Pacific Typhoon Belt, rapid urbanization and insufficient drainage infrastructure. This serious problem is addressed in this work by proposing and evaluating a low-cost solar-powered water-level sensor system with real-time alarm system and an emergency light pole. The device is powered by an ESP32 microcontroller, the “brain” of the system with Wi-Fi built-in. The water level sensor is constantly looking for rising water. If the water level crosses the set limits, the system activates the localized warnings immediately. Localized warnings are active buzzer and LCD display. Additionally, a special emergency light pole typically produces a steady white light, but turns to red to indicate a quick evacuation during crucial situations. At the same time the ESP32 sends live wireless alerts to the neighborhood. It is powered by a sustainable, off-grid power configuration using a solar panel, 12V lithium ion battery and a step-down converter to ensure system does not fail during extreme weather and power outages. The prototype has proven to be quite reliable in experimental tests. The device is able to deliver wireless notifications within one second and 100 % accuracy in critical water level detection. Moreover, the emergency light pole worked very well since it was in good view at all flood stages from 20 m away. The prototype is a practical, durable and highly effective supplementary early warning tool to boost disaster resilience in vulnerable populations at about PHP 2,120.00.

Flood Monitoring, Water Level Detection System, ESP32, Solar Power, Early Warning System

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