![](https://i.imgur.com/CLvY2jA.png")
19-11-2021, 03:50 PM
Shabana Begum
PUBLISHED 5 HOURS AGO
SINGAPORE - Motorists and pedestrians caught in flash floods this year may have spotted the yellow vehicles at the flood zone, flashing an LED warning about deep water ahead.
These vehicles are from a new fleet of 13 flood response vehicles, unveiled on Friday (Nov 19) alongside other enhanced forecasting and monitoring technology, that will help national water agency PUB respond to flood situations more quickly.
The flood response vehicles can move through water 70cm deep, slightly above knee level, and are fitted with a Global Positioning System tracker and cameras that live-stream footage back to PUB's Joint Operations Centre. They also carry flood mitigation equipment that officers on board can use to set up flood barricades.
Flash floods in Singapore have generally not exceeded 50cm.
......
"The ability to forecast and monitor impending heavy storms becomes more important than ever," said PUB, as it announced that it had also doubled the number of radars monitoring and forecasting rainfall across the island from three to six.
......
Machine learning, which involves computer algorithms improving automatically through experience and by the use of data, will improve the system's accuracy to up to 80 per cent by early next year, from 65 per cent now.
"We are given 30 minutes to reach the site and be there before it floods or even before it rains," said Mr Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman, a senior assistant engineer with the quick response teams that use the new flood response vehicles. "We are chasing the rain."
......
PUB has combined the data from the new vehicles and radars, including flood-detection tools such as water-level sensors and islandwide closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, into one integrated dashboard. This makes it easier for staff at the Joint Operations Centre to monitor and respond to flash floods.
......
As at Sept 30, there were 31 ongoing drainage improvement projects and road-raising works, with eight more upcoming projects, according to the website.
......
PUB has successfully trialled a new automatic flood barrier at a condominium in Tampines that it wants building owners at flood-prone areas to consider installing.
The 1m-high barrier, installed at the entrance of Fortune Park condominium, automatically rises when floodwaters enter an underground basin beneath the barrier. It does not need to be mechanically activated, and requires minimal maintenance.
......
Building owners interested to find out more about the automatic flood barrier can contact PUB.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/n...ods-faster
PUBLISHED 5 HOURS AGO
SINGAPORE - Motorists and pedestrians caught in flash floods this year may have spotted the yellow vehicles at the flood zone, flashing an LED warning about deep water ahead.
These vehicles are from a new fleet of 13 flood response vehicles, unveiled on Friday (Nov 19) alongside other enhanced forecasting and monitoring technology, that will help national water agency PUB respond to flood situations more quickly.
The flood response vehicles can move through water 70cm deep, slightly above knee level, and are fitted with a Global Positioning System tracker and cameras that live-stream footage back to PUB's Joint Operations Centre. They also carry flood mitigation equipment that officers on board can use to set up flood barricades.
Flash floods in Singapore have generally not exceeded 50cm.
......
"The ability to forecast and monitor impending heavy storms becomes more important than ever," said PUB, as it announced that it had also doubled the number of radars monitoring and forecasting rainfall across the island from three to six.
......
Machine learning, which involves computer algorithms improving automatically through experience and by the use of data, will improve the system's accuracy to up to 80 per cent by early next year, from 65 per cent now.
"We are given 30 minutes to reach the site and be there before it floods or even before it rains," said Mr Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman, a senior assistant engineer with the quick response teams that use the new flood response vehicles. "We are chasing the rain."
......
PUB has combined the data from the new vehicles and radars, including flood-detection tools such as water-level sensors and islandwide closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, into one integrated dashboard. This makes it easier for staff at the Joint Operations Centre to monitor and respond to flash floods.
......
As at Sept 30, there were 31 ongoing drainage improvement projects and road-raising works, with eight more upcoming projects, according to the website.
......
PUB has successfully trialled a new automatic flood barrier at a condominium in Tampines that it wants building owners at flood-prone areas to consider installing.
The 1m-high barrier, installed at the entrance of Fortune Park condominium, automatically rises when floodwaters enter an underground basin beneath the barrier. It does not need to be mechanically activated, and requires minimal maintenance.
......
Building owners interested to find out more about the automatic flood barrier can contact PUB.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/n...ods-faster
