Empowering communities through citizen science: enhancing flash flood early warning in the Manizales creek basin

Official organisations typically manage institutional early warning systems (IEWS), while some communities independently establish a community-based early warning system (CBEWS). This is the case of the Manizales Creek Basin (MCB), where vulnerable communities are settled in a flash flood-prone area and have self-arranged basic monitoring and communication protocols to warn themselves before an IEWS arrives. Recently, IEWS and CBEWS have become aware of each other, leading to stakeholder confusion regarding flood warnings and responses. Therefore, the integration of both systems is crucial. This paper presents a methodology for this integration, based on findings from our previous research that identified flood risk knowledge and monitoring as key pillars to improve CBEWS. Strategies include capacity-building workshops and a community-based monitoring network, alongside participatory indicators, comparison of rainfall data from both systems, and lessons learned. Results acknowledge community interest in using eco-sensors for water monitoring, as well as the positive impact of enhancing local capabilities in early warning systems (EWSs). A comparison of rainfall collected by both EWSs highlights the importance of capturing spatial rainfall variability to understand extreme events. Findings suggest that improving capacity-building and establishing a community-based monitoring network can empower communities in flood monitoring and warning systems in the region.