The Tnufa, "Momentum," committee, which is headed by Chief Scientist Dr. Eli Opper, has approved a preliminary research and development program aimed at advancing the development of an innovative technology for barriers against floods like the ones that followed Hurricane Katrina, according to a Globes Business report. The technology will make it possible to speedily build anti-flood barriers of any length and height necessary to protect a population center from the kind of massive flooding that destroyed thousands of homes in New Orleans.
The committee has also approved a preliminary R&D program for the development of a small personal water purification system, to be used by those stranded during disasters. Many suffered from thirst and from drinking contaminated water following the US hurricane.
"The recent events in the US lent urgency to these plans," said Tnufa director Jacob Fisher. "The Tnufa committee has approved $350,000 for 16 preliminary R&D programs. Six of the programs are in the life sciences, three are for information systems, and seven are for consumer products or in other fields."
Unfortunately, the new technology will not be ready in time for Hurricane Rita, the storm currently heading toward Texas.