Singapore is a really hot country but we do have our fair share of heavy rainfall. Rainfall so heavy that flash floods like these occur:
Now, if you happen to have experienced a flash flood in Singapore before, and you will never want to go through it again…I’ve got some great news for you.
PUB New Rainfall Monitoring & Prediction System
It was reported that the Public Utilities Board (PUB)’s new rainfall monitoring and prediction system has been giving great results since it was implemented back in 2018.
PUB claims that the system has produced forecasts 30 minutes ahead of the rain with an accuracy of 65%.
Now, while this isn’t helpful in terms of helping you to plan a day out, it’s great for another feature.
Deploying Resources Ahead Of Potential Flash Floods
The new system was completely incorporated into PUB’s flood management operations at the end of 2019.
When the system detects an area at risk of heavy rainfall, PUB’s Joint Operations Centre will deploy quick response teams to the site.
Once they’re there, the team can check out the situation, assist to direct traffic away, or put in flood barriers to divert floodwaters from the roads.
PUB believes that with climate change, we’ll experience even more extreme weather situations.
And with this system, they are able to deploy their officers in the shortest time possible.
Still A Work In Progress
If you’ve noticed, the accuracy is only at 65%. Which, while good, is only a just pass only in the eyes of kiasu Singaporean moms.
Don’t worry because they’re looking to refine the system even further.
Back in 2018, they placed three X-band radars, the device monitoring rainfall in a 50km radius, at CleanTech One building in Jurong, Woodlands NEWater Service Reservoir and Changi Water Reclamation Plant.
They’ll be adding three more radars in Seletar Tuas and central Singapore. They’re also looking to add in a machine learning algorithm which will help boost the system’s accuracy.
In Short
They’re looking to be prepared for and minimise the troubles of flash floods in Singapore.
If you’re staying in the flood-prone areas previously mentioned by PUB:
- Lorong Buangkok
- Jalan Seaview/Tanjong Katong Road South
- Jervois Road
Soon, flash flood troubles might be a memory of the past.
