Gov’t advances flood mitigation projects following severe Taipa and Coloane flooding

Following a black rainstorm warning last month that caused severe flooding in low-lying areas in Taipa and Coloane, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) pledged to advance the rainwater pumping station and sewerage project in Old Taipa Village.

The Public Works Bureau (DSOP) has started the first phase of its flood control and drainage project on Coloane’s western coast, which is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2027.

In mid-August, the Macau Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) issued a black rainstorm warning, coinciding with significant flooding in low-lying areas that led to the closure of multiple roads in Taipa and Coloane.

During this event, weather stations in the two areas recorded hourly rainfall totals approaching 110 millimeters, and by 5 p.m., three stations reported over 240 millimeters of accumulation.

Social media footage showed the Cotai Strip submerged, with water levels rising above vehicle tires.

The underground tunnel connecting The Londoner and MGM Cotai resembled a flooded passage, leaving many cars stranded.

In the Taipa district, several roads were flooded, with water levels reaching 0.83 meters, making navigation difficult for pedestrians due to obscured ground elevation.

Real-time monitoring from the city’s weather station indicated that the highest recorded water level at around 3 p.m. was 0.83 meters on Caminho das Hortas, while Rua do Cunha and Rua da Ponte Negra measured 0.46 meters and 0.26 meters, respectively.

In response to a query from public broadcaster TDM, the IAM asserted that all major drainage facilities in Taipa functioned normally during the black rainstorm.

The stormwater box culvert channel from Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança to Avenida dos Jogos da Ásia Oriental was reported to be at full capacity. Despite the sewer system operating at peak performance, stormwater in low-lying areas could not be discharged quickly enough.

As reported, the IAM is currently progressing with the construction of a stormwater pumping station on Avenida dos Jogos da Ásia Oriental and a relay pumping station near the Olympic Sports Centre to boost Taipa’s drainage capacity.

The completion of these projects, along with enhancements at the Old Taipa Village stormwater pumping station, is expected to significantly improve drainage efficiency, the IAM stated.

The DSOP confirmed that the first phase of the flood prevention and drainage project on Coloane’s western coast began in March, with completion expected in the third quarter of 2027, adding that the second phase of the project will proceed in a timely manner, in line with overall progress.