Hong Kong authorities have launched an AI-driven flood forecasting and alert system capable of 3D simulations to enable timelier pre-emptive measures and emergency responses. It helps plan faster responses and preventive actions in high-risk areas. The technology adds to the territory-wide flood risk visualisation system deployed after last year's Super Typhoon Ragasa.
Hong Kong's Drainage Services Department collaborated with Guangzhou-based South China University of Technology to develop the new model, which integrates big data analysis and AI for 3D flood simulations.
"This is to foster Hong Kong as a future-facing and climate-resilient city," said Ringo Mok Wing-cheong, director of the Drainage Services Department.
Trained on various datasets including meteorological statistics for nowcasting rainfall and tides, the model generates real-time flood simulations and illustrates dynamic flood evolution in three dimensions.
It will help the department plan ahead for emergency responses to potential flooding in high-risk areas such as King Yin Lane in Wan Chai, Tseung Kwan O, Tai Po, Tsui Ping River and Lam Tsuen River in Kwun Tong.