The Drainage Services Department has unveiled a series of technological innovations to bolster the city’s flood resilience, including a newly developed "Smart Drainage Map" platform and a fleet of remotely operated cleaning robots designed to tackle clogged channels and narrow pipes.

Speaking at the department’s annual briefing on Monday, director Ringo Mok said increasingly frequent extreme weather – from torrential rain to super typhoons – was posing unprecedented challenges but that the city is fighting back with innovation.

"It is forecast that the total annual rainfall this year will be between 2,100 and 2,700 millimetres, which is considered normal," he said.

"About four to seven tropical cyclones are expected to enter within 500 kilometres of Hong Kong, a number also close to normal. Hong Kong may still be affected by heavy rain and localised downpours."

Mok said the goal is to achieve "innovation-led, smart drainage", outlining four key strategies: advance preparations, enhance early warnings, decisive emergency responses and rapid recoveries.

At the heart of the digital push is the Smart Drainage One Map (SD Map), an integrated information platform developed at a cost of about HK$5 million.

The system consolidates data from drainage facilities and other government sources into a single, real-time visual interface.

"The concept is 'one map for clear insight'," Mok said. During emergencies, the platform displays flood-incident locations, real-time positions of response teams and live footage from street cameras, allowing controllers to make faster, data-driven decisions.

The platform also generates 3D models of Hong Kong’s nearly 5,000-kilometre underground pipe network, helping engineers pinpoint maintenance needs and simulate flood risks.

Alongside the digital map, the department is deploying an expanded arsenal of robotic cleaners.

Two new remotely controlled desilting robots – one that functions as a high-pressure water jet unit and the other as an intelligent sludge grabber – were introduced this year.

Unlike traditional pieces of equipment, these battery-powered robots are compact and agile, allowing them to navigate narrow, hard-to-reach channels in remote areas.

"They are small in size, allowing them to operate in very narrow spaces," Mok said.

"Previously, for remote places or rural areas, it was difficult for our personnel or equipment to reach. The two new robots are small and powered by batteries – very agile."



Edited by Tony Sabine