PUB collaborates with A*STAR's Institute for Infocomm Research to deploy a system that uses image analytics technology to scan the former's CCTV footage in real-time and detect images with flood waters.
Channel NewsAsia 18 Nov 15;
SINGAPORE: National water agency PUB on Wednesday (Nov 18) announced it is collaborating with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research's (A*STAR) Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) to explore smarter ways of detecting floods this monsoon season.
The two parties are deploying a trial system that uses image analytics technology to scan PUB's CCTV footage in real-time and detect images with flood waters. This will complement PUB's flood monitoring of about 170 CCTVs and 200 water level sensors, along with weather information in the agency's operations centre, according to the press release.
For instance, when a nearby water level sensor detects rising water levels, the system will start to analyse the corresponding CCTV images. Subsequently, an alert will be triggered through an analytics dashboard to notify PUB officers when the system detects flood waters from the analysis, PUB said.
"The automated detection of floods through the CCTV image analytics technology will aid in speedier alerts and quick response amid increasing volume of data that comes in,” said Mr Ridzuan Ismail, PUB’s Director of Catchment and Waterways, in the press release.
The system will be tested and used to supplement PUB's extensive flood monitoring efforts during the north-east monsoon season this year, the agency added.
According to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), the Republic can expect the start of the rainy season with the onset of the monsoon season by early December this year, which is expected to last until the end of January.
- CNA/kk
Smarter flood detection system for monsoon season undergo trials
AsiaOne 19 Nov 15;
SINGAPORE - A smarter system for flood detection during the Northeast Monsoon season is underway, according to a joint statement by Public Utilities Board (PUB), Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) and National Environment Agency (NEA).
PUB and A*Star have collaborated to hold test of the new flood detection system, which utilises image analytics technology to scan real-time PUB CCTV footage and detect images with flood waters.
This will complement PUB's flood monitoring of about 170 CCTVs and 200 water level sensors, along with weather information.
Real-time data from PUB's network of water level sensors will be analysed with corresponding CCTV images and trigger an alert when flood waters are detected.
"We are always on the lookout for ways to enhance our flood monitoring efforts. Over the years, we have expanded our network of water level sensors which send out alerts when water levels in drains and canals hit a certain level. The automated detection of floods through the CCTV image analytics technology will aid in speedier alerts and quick response amidst increasing volume of data that comes in." said Mr Ridzuan Ismail, PUB's Director of Catchment and Waterways.
According to MSS, Singapore can expect the start of the rainy season with the setting in of the Northeast Monsoon by early December 2015.
To obtain the latest weather reports, including heavy rain warnings, the public can tune in to radio traffic watch broadcasts, call MSS' weather forecast hotline at 65427788, visit the MSS website at www.weather.gov.sg and access NEA's mobile app MyENV or subscribe to the heavy rain warning SMS alert service provided by the MSS.
During heavy rain events, updates on rising water levels in drains or canals and flash floods can be seen via PUB's Facebook and Twitter, PUB's free mobile app MyWaters, and PUB's website at http://www.pub.gov.sg/managingflashfloods.
The public can also subscribe to a free SMS alert service to keep tabs on the water level in a canal or drain at a designated location via PUB's website.
In addition, the public can access selected CCTV images of road conditions in low-lying areas and hotspots via PUB's website or MyWaters mobile app.
Members of the public can call PUB's 24-hour Call Centre at 1800-CALL PUB (1800-2255 782) to report on any flood situation or NEA's DPC hotline at 1800-6003333 to report on any choked drains.
