Singapore experienced a series of flash floods yet again over the weekend. The flash floods on November 16 and 17 were the result of unusually heavy rain due to the onset of the Northeast Monsoon. This comes after one of the highest daily rainfall totals since 1978 fell in Singapore in mid October 2024 – causing widespread floods with knee-deep water across various parts of Singapore. Here’s what we know about the November 2024 flash floods in Singapore:
November flash floods Singapore
The flash floods began on November 16 when the northwestern part of Singapore experienced one of the highest daily rainfalls in 46 years. An average of 108.4mm of rain was recorded in less than two hours. This is equivalent to 43% of the average monthly rainfall for November. Meanwhile, flash floods occurred along Bukit Timah Road and other areas.
The Public Utilities Board (PUB) issued flood risk and non-stop rain warnings for more than 10 locations across Singapore from Saturday. Other affected zones on Saturday included Jalan Boon Lay and Tampines.
The event followed another significant downpour on November 17. Flash floods occurred in locations such as Ophir Road in Bugis after intense rainfall. The heaviest rainfall recorded that day was 67.4mm in Southern Singapore, accounting for 27% of the average monthly rainfall for November. The knee-deep water on Ophir Road was blamed on the high water levels in nearby drains.
Videos have been circulating online where locations are seen heavily affected by the intense rainfall, such as knee-deep water in an underpass along East Coast Road and rain pouring onto the MRTs. Although, most floods subsided within one hour and streets remained passable over the weekend.
Unfortunately, The Meteorological Service has forecasted above-average rainfall for the second half of November 2024. Singaporeans can expect moderate to heavy rain showers on most days, which may overwhelm local drainage systems, leading to more flash floods.
Why is the world experiencing widespread flooding?
The flash floods in Singapore eerily resembled flash floods around the world this November 2024. Particularly, Spain has been severely impacted by torrential rains, where flash floods destroyed property and caused the deaths of more than 200 people. In Haiti, heavy rains last week led to severe flooding displacing thousands of families, and other countries like Poland, Austria, and Romania experienced record-breaking rainfall that destroyed homes.
These extreme weather events highlight the growing intensity of floods around the world. This is driven by climate change where rising temperatures are leading to more erratic weather conditions.
Rain got you down? Discover 50+ Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In Singapore
SEE MORE: We Investigate Does Singapore Have A Rat Problem?