More sensors to be installed islandwide to improve flood monitoring: PUB

Integrating alerts on Google Maps also in the works as flood awareness campaign kicks off

- Shabana Begum Correspondent

More than 600 water level sensors will be installed islandwide by 2028 to improve flood monitoring in Singapore, national water agency PUB said on Nov 17.

Other measures PUB has in the works to boost flash flood preparedness include integrating flood alerts on Google Maps and using mobile phone signals to better predict intense rainfall.

PUB made these announcements as it launched its annual flood awareness campaign ahead of the upcoming wet season. The first such campaign was rolled out in late 2024.

The year-end rainy season is brought about by the wet phase of the northeast monsoon, when winds blow from the cool Northern Hemisphere towards the Equator.

The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said in its fortnightly weather outlook on Nov 17 that the monsoon is expected to set in around end-November. Total rainfall for the upcoming fortnight is forecast to be above average over most parts of the island.

PUB said an additional 650 water level sensors will be installed in drains and canals by end-2028. This will enable the agency to hasten the deployment of quick-response vehicles when a flash flood in a particular road is expected. These yellow vans help to divert traffic from flooded lanes, and officers will install portable flood barriers.

The additional sensors will add to a network of more than 1,000 existing sensors and over 500 CCTV cameras, rain gauges and weather radars already located around the country.