National water agency PUB is exploring smarter ways to detect floods this monsoon season. A trial project in collaboration with A*STAR’s Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), the flood detection system utilises image analytics technology to scan real-time PUB CCTV footage and detect images with flood waters. This will complement PUB’s flood monitoring of about 170 CCTVs and 200 water level sensors, along with weather information, in the 24/7 PUB operations centre.
To enhance the robustness and detection accuracy of the system, real-time data from PUB’s network of water level sensors installed in major drains and canals, coupled with weather information will be utilised. For instance, when a nearby water level sensor detects rising water levels, the system will start to analyse the corresponding CCTV images. Subsequently, an alert will be triggered through an analytics dashboard to notify PUB officers when the system detects flood waters from the analysis.
“We are always on the lookout for ways to enhance our flood monitoring efforts. Over the years, we have expanded our network of water level sensors which send out alerts when water levels in drains and canals hit a certain level. The automated detection of floods through the CCTV image analytics technology will aid in speedier alerts and quick response amidst increasing volume of data that comes in.” said Mr Ridzuan Ismail, PUB’s Director of Catchment and Waterways.
The trial system will be tested and used to supplement PUB’s extensive flood monitoring efforts during the Northeast Monsoon season this year.
Preparing for the monsoon
According to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), Singapore can expect the start of the rainy season with the setting in of the Northeast Monsoon by early December 2015.
The wet phase of the Northeast Monsoon season is expected to extend to end January 2016, and is characterised by short-duration moderate to heavy thundery showers mainly in the afternoon and evening, and about two to four episodes of monsoon surges. Monsoon surges refer to the steady strengthening of north-easterly winds blowing from the South China Sea. These monsoon surges usually bring periods of prolonged, widespread and moderate to heavy rain lasting between two and five days, occasional windy conditions, and cooler temperatures. On average for Singapore, there are 18 rain days in December, and 13 rain days in January.
In addition to the regular weather forecast, MSS will issue warnings when heavy rain or prolonged monsoon rain is expected. This will help the public to better prepare for heavy rain.
PUB has stepped up its preparation work for the upcoming monsoon, working closely with the NEA’s Department of Public Cleanliness (DPC) to monitor and ensure that public drains are properly maintained, function effectively and remain free-flowing.
Apart from reminding building contractors to conduct checks on public drains around their construction sites, PUB has also recently completed inspecting some 100 major construction sites around the island to ensure that any public drains within and around the work sites are free of debris and smooth-flowing. This is on top of PUB’s regular checks at construction sites on their earth control measures along with checks on nearby public drains.
Keeping the public informed
PUB officers are also distributing flood advisories to some 500 residents and shop houses in low-lying areas. Some of these areas are subject to tidal influence and could experience localised flash floods should heavy rain coincide with high tides. The advisory provides precautionary tips that residents and shop owners could take to protect their belongings, such as by storing them on higher ground or installing flood barriers at entrances, such as by using boards shored up with sandbags.
To obtain the latest weather reports, including heavy rain warnings, the public can tune in to radio traffic watch broadcasts, call MSS’ weather forecast hotline at 65427788, visit the MSS website at www.weather.gov.sg and access NEA’s mobile app MyENV or subscribe to the heavy rain warning SMS alert service provided by the MSS.
During heavy rain events, the public can also be updated on rising water levels in drains or canals and flash floods via PUB’s Facebook and Twitter, PUB’s free mobile app MyWaters, and PUB’s website. The public can also subscribe to a free SMS alert service to keep tabs on the water level in a canal or drain at a designated location via PUB’s website.
In addition, the public can access selected CCTV images of road conditions in low-lying areas and hotspots via PUB’s website or MyWaters mobile app.
The public is advised to exercise caution during the monsoon season should flash floods occur in the event of heavy storms. Motorists should avoid driving into flooded areas, as low visibility can obscure the depth of floodwaters. Pedestrians caught in a flash flood are advised to move to higher ground and to refrain from walking through flood waters.
