CHINESE scientists have proposed a novel artificial intelligence (AI)-based model to address streamflow and flood forecasting at a global scale for both gauged and ungauged catchments, which remains one of the long-standing challenges in hydrology, given that more than 95 percent of small- and medium-sized watersheds worldwide do not have any monitoring data.

In light of global climate change, the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events significantly increased, leading to more frequent flooding disasters and more intensive flooding risks. Thus, the effective prediction of flood discharge serves as a crucial factor for reducing risks of flood disasters.