SINGAPORE — The PUB is exploring a smarter flood detection system that can provide faster alerts in the event of high water levels, said the national water agency today (Nov 18).

The smart system, being tested in collaboration with A*STAR’s Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), uses image analytics technology to scan real-time footage from PUB’s CCTVs and detect images with flood waters.

For instance, when a nearby water level sensor detects rising water levels, the system will start to analyse the corresponding CCTV images. An alert will be triggered through an analytics dashboard to notify PUB officers when the system detects flood waters from the analysis.

The system complements PUB’s present flood monitoring system, comprising water level sensors installed in major drains and canals to transmit real-time data, 170 CCTV cameras, and with weather information.

The trial system will be tested and used to supplement PUB’s flood monitoring efforts during the North-east Monsoon season, which is expected to set in by early next month, said the national water agency.

Mr Ridzuan Ismail, PUB’s director of Catchment and Waterways, said the automated system will aid in “speedier alerts and quick response amidst increasing volume of data that comes in”.

“We are always on the lookout for ways to enhance our flood monitoring efforts,” he said.

The wet phase of the North-east Monsoon season is expected to extend to end-January next year. During this period, apart from thunder storms, there could also be two to four episodes of monsoon surges, which bring about prolonged periods of rain lasting between two and five days.

On average, Singapore sees 18 rain days in December, and 13 rain days in January.

To further prepare for the monsoon, PUB is working with National Environment Agency to ensure public drains are properly maintained and remain free-flowing.

PUB said it has also reminded building contractors to conduct checks on public drains around their construction sites, and it has completed inspecting public drains within and around some 100 major construction sites.

PUB officers are also distributing flood advisories to some 500 residents and shop houses in low-lying areas, which include tips on how to protect their belongings; for example, by storing them on higher ground or installing flood barriers at entrances such as boards shored up with sandbags.

In addition to the regular weather forecast, Meteorological Service Singapore will issue warnings when heavy rain or prolonged monsoon rain is expected, in addition to the regular weather forecast.