HK deploys 'Mosaic Model Map' in flood fight

Hong Kong is building a multi-layered flood defense network, deploying advanced technology like powerful drainage robots and a new AI-powered risk assessment system to combat increasingly frequent extreme weather.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho highlighted the government's strategy of "advanced preparation, enhanced early warning, decisive emergency response, and rapid recovery." An emergency response system now pools resources from nearly 70 public works contractors, a significant increase from 43 in 2023.

During the recent Typhoon Ragasa, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) for the first time used its in-house developed "Mosaic Model Map" (M³) system. The AI-driven platform analyzes rainfall and Observatory data to identify high-risk flood areas, enabling targeted pre-emptive measures.

These measures include installing flood barriers, pre-positioning drainage robots, and distributing sandbags to residents. The DSD has also identified 240 locations prone to siltation, with 200 emergency teams ready for "timely drain-cleaning" upon weather warnings.

A key addition to the arsenal is the "Mobile Powerful Pumping Robots" drainage robot. With a massive capacity to drain 800 cubic meters of water per hour—equivalent to a third of a standard swimming pool—it can navigate complex terrain like stairs and slopes. A smaller, amphibious robot named "Amphibious Pumping Robots" can even float on water.

These robots have already clocked over 2,600 operational hours since April. The government continues to enhance inter-departmental collaboration to build a flood-resilient city.