Singapore’s Public Utilities Board is testing road-level flood sensors and a remote-controlled pump vehicle as it prepares for the northeast monsoon and considers faster ways to detect and clear floodwater.
PUB announced the trials on Nov. 12 as it opened its third flood-resilience campaign ahead of the northeast monsoon. The campaign’s theme is “When it Comes to Floods, Make Your Own Luck.” It speaks to drivers and commuters as well as homeowners and businesses, asking them to prepare for flood risks.
Under the Road Flood Sensors trial, devices are set to register surface water levels automatically and continuously on roads that are vulnerable to flooding. PUB is also considering a broader monitoring setup that would combine those readings with water-level data from canals and drains and analysis of CCTV footage. The agency says automation could reduce the need for staff to monitor conditions by hand and help get alerts out earlier.
A separate pilot is testing a remote-controlled pump vehicle’s value in flood response. PUB will assess whether using it to pump water can help ease flooding and support recovery. CNA reported that the vehicle can be steered into flooded areas and across uneven ground and staircases.
Angela Koh, PUB Deputy Chief Executive (Flood Resilience), said preparation was central to resilience: “Flood resilience is not about being lucky and hoping for the best — it is about being prepared for the unexpected.”
The campaign follows PUB’s publication of a Flood-Resilient Developments Guidebook in June 2026. The agency said the guide includes guidance and case studies for developments adopting flood-resilient designs and operating strategies.
For travel decisions, PUB advises motorists to look for flood information through its Telegram alerts, the myENV app or vehicle on-board units before leaving. It also recommends choosing an alternative route if a road is flooded rather than trying to drive through.
