AGT International Partners with China to Pilot Flood Early Warning System

BEIJING, November 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Advanced Technology Empowers Authorities with Flood Prediction and Prevention Intelligence; Industry Leader Introduces New Approach to Dike and Levee Monitoring

AGT International, one of the fastest growing public safety and security solutions organizations in the world, today announced a partnership with the Yellow River Conservancy Commission (YRCC) of the People's Republic of China, to implement the first milestone in a long-term program surrounding the AGT International Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) in the Yellow River's local environment.

Within AGT International the project is led by AGT Netherlands in collaboration with TNO (the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research) and draws upon world-renowned expertise in this field. AGT International and YRCC will jointly utilize FEWS to collect local real-time hydrometric and dike stability data, analyze the rules of flood formation and movement, improve dike stability forecasting, predict future flood situations caused by possible dike failure, and send out flood warnings.

"By bringing Dutch know-how in water management together with the global experience and expertise of AGT International, we are uniquely positioned to implement this ground breaking system," said Pieter-Christiaan van Oranje-Nassau, CEO of AGT Netherlands. "Our solution collects real-time information from new and existing systems to generate a real-time assessment of the river conditions.  Our advanced prediction and simulation software will generate alerts and recommendations to affected areas.  Another key element for the full realization and success of the project is our commitment to turning key project findings into shared learning opportunities."

"Developing a flood warning system to protect the people and infrastructure of the world's fastest growing country required global collaboration," said Mati Kochavi, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of AGT International. "AGT International has a strong partnership with the Chinese and I am thrilled to extend this important relationship to assist in creating and implementing cutting-edge solutions. This will not only have a positive impact in terms of helping to ensure the well-being of citizens in the locality of the Yellow River, but also reduce the negative economic impact that unpredictable flooding creates."

To address China's unique topographical and population challenges, FEWS features a custom dike monitoring and stability solution with integrated intelligent emergency response system that enables authorities to apply preventative measures, and prepare and react to ensuing crises quickly and effectively. The solution is modular and encompasses unique sensors, software and services that provide tangible benefits to water authorities as well as municipalities and emergency response agencies, providing them with a unified awareness picture.

"Dike safety is the key to preventing floods," said Shang Hongqi, Director of YRCC's International Cooperation and Technology Bureau. "Dike hazards and the limited ability to control floods seriously affect our economic growth and the safety of lives and property. AGT International's solution will enhance our ability to predict the occurrence of breaches, which is the key to preventing costly and dangerous floods. At the same time, the project will build on and increase the collective experience and technologies in flood management on the Yellow River. We are very pleased with the cooperation between YRCC and AGT International and we expect that this project will bring long-term benefits for China's water and urban management capabilities."

In addition to piloting cutting-edge flood management technology, the FEWS initiative was established to effectively protect the safety of Chinese citizens and their property while creating new eco-friendly standards.

In January 2011 AGT International announced four partnerships with Chinese agencies to improve the nation's urban management and water safety systems, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to the Chinese market and the active role it continues to play in supporting the historic growth and progress occurring in Chinese cities. These agencies include the Ministry of Water Resources, the International Cooperation Center of the National Development and Reform Commission (ICC-NDRC), the Shijiazhuang Municipal People's Government, and National Academy for Mayors of China (NAMC).

About AGT International:

One of the fastest-growing public safety and security solutions organizations in the world, AGT International has operations across the globe.

Led by a unique vision, AGT International offers innovative solutions in the areas of critical infrastructure and border protection, urban management, cyber security, transportation, law enforcement, and natural disaster preparedness, helping unlock the world's potential by enabling the free flow of goods, services, people, and ideas.

Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, AGT International employs 2,000 people worldwide, representing more than 54 nationalities. The organization was founded in 2007, and is managing $8 billion in projects. AGT International is led by Founder and CEO, Mati Kochavi, who is also Chairman of 3i-MIND.