NOAH: A Network Operations Alert System for Households Using Arduino-Based Flood Detection and Rescue Prioritization Algorithms

This study developed and tested NOAH, a low-cost Arduino-based flood detection system that helps prioritize rescue operations by measuring how fast floodwater rises inside houses. Using two water level sensors spaced 2.5 cm apart, the system calculates the rate of rise, activates a blue (moderate) or red (critical) LED, and sends an SMS alert to rescuers. Laboratory testing across 20 trials achieved 100% trigger success, 95% LED accuracy, and 85% SMS success with an average delivery time of 10.23 seconds. The results demonstrate that NOAH provides an affordable, reliable solution for household-level flood monitoring and rescue prioritization in under-resourced communities.