PUB unveils remote-controlled pump vehicle as part of wider efforts for better flood response

As part of efforts to strengthen Singapore's flood response capabilities, national water agency PUB has begun piloting a remote-controlled pump vehicle that can be deployed to flood-hit areas more quickly and safely.

The agency will also extend trials for its Road Flood Sensors which provide automated real-time monitoring of road surface water levels at flood-prone locations.

PUB revealed these as part of an announcement on Thursday (Nov 12) to launch its third flood resilience campaign ahead of the northeast monsoon season.

Remote-controlled pump vehicle for safer, more efficient flood response

The tracked vehicle, which can be operated remotely from up to 100m away, is designed to pump out floodwater from roads, basements, carparks and tunnels, reducing the need for personnel to enter floodwaters.

According to PUB, the vehicle is currently undergoing a one-year pilot deployment to assess its effectiveness in supporting flood response operations.

Unlike conventional pumping arrangements that require large transport vehicles, generators and significant manpower, the remote-controlled pump vehicle is a compact mobile platform that can be rapidly deployed with minimal setup.

The vehicle can navigate uneven terrain and staircases before pumping accumulated water into nearby drainage systems. 

It has a minimum pumping capacity of 500 cubic metres per hour, equivalent to draining an Olympic-sized swimming pool in five hours, and can operate continuously for at least seven hours.

PUB said the vehicle could be used to support flood recovery efforts at private properties, although responsibility for managing flooding remains with property owners.

It can also be deployed to coastal areas during periods of high tide, when stormwater cannot be discharged directly into the sea because tide gates are closed. 

The vehicle's remote-control capability would allow operators to respond to flooding incidents more "efficiently and safely", particularly in areas that are difficult to access using conventional pumping equipment, said PUB.

The vehicle was announced as PUB launched its third flood resilience campaign, themed "When it Comes to Floods, Make Your Own Luck", ahead of the northeast monsoon season. The campaign encourages motorists, commuters, homeowners and businesses to take practical steps to prepare for floods.

Road Flood Sensors to enhance monitoring capabilities, trial extended

As part of its flood monitoring efforts, the agency is also extending trials of Road Flood Sensors, which provide automated real-time monitoring of road surface water levels at flood-prone locations. 

An initial six-month trial involving 30 sensors saw flooding alerts transmitted within one minute. 

PUB plans to deploy an additional 15 sensors as part of the expanded trial.

The expanded sensor trial will also test the integration of road flood sensors, water-level sensors and CCTV video analytics into a single automated flood monitoring and alert system aimed at providing earlier warning to the public and reducing reliance on manual monitoring.

Ivan Chua, Chief Engineer (Drainage Operations) in PUB's Catchment and Waterways Department, said the monitoring capabilities would enable the agency to issue timely alerts to the public, allowing people to take the necessary precautions.

"Flood resilience is not about being lucky and hoping for the best — it is about being prepared for the unexpected," said Angela Koh, Deputy Chief Executive (Flood Resilience) at PUB.

She added that while PUB would continue strengthening its flood monitoring, infrastructure and response capabilities, building a flood-resilient Singapore requires everyone to do their part by staying informed, acting early and taking steps to protect themselves and their properties.

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laili.abdeen@asiaone.com