Heavy rains and flooding prompt calls to improve drainage infrastructure

Flooding in low-lying parts of Macau during heavy rains recently has renewed calls for officials to bolster the city’s drainage network and coordinate emergency response plans across departments.

Leong Hong Sai, head of the Macau Geotechnical Engineering Department (LECM), said rainwater had overflowed into Av. de Horta e Costa and other low-lying areas due to the sudden influx that exceeded canal capacity.

As cited in a TDM report, he recommended rerouting upstream flows to alleviate choke points. Improving the pumping station and sewer projects under construction in the inner harbor could also help regionally, according to Leong.

Leong Chong In of the Municipal Affairs Bureau’s advisory panel added that high tides can backlog canals and wells when combined with heavy downpours. Various district renovation projects are ongoing as well, which may impact surrounding drainage systems, he noted.

With typhoon season approaching amid lengthy construction timelines, Leong urged timely dredging, restaurant discharge inspections, and cross-departmental emergency plans be implemented to coordinate the response.

Strong storms last month highlighted the need for Macau’s drainage network to keep pace with weather extremes. Officials now face calls to reinforce aging systems and bolster emergency coordination to minimize future flooding risks.

As heavy rains caused flooding in parts of Macau earlier last month, some residents were calling on officials to evaluate the drainage capacity of the city’s infrastructure and strengthen maintenance efforts. Water leaked from the ceiling of the Border Gate underground bus terminal as drainage lines at the nearby border checkpoint backed up during downpours. However, experts believe Macau should review drainage systems in each district to prepare for increasingly frequent severe weather, and implement response plans. Staff Reporter