Singapore experienced significant flooding this week due to heavy rainfall particularly on October 14. And in typical Singaporean fashion and a way to find humour in life’s little challenges, the government was blamed by many people online (chuckles). Since complaining is like a sport in Singapore, the government is a star player everyone loves to critique. MRT fares increase – blame the government – have a bad hair day – blame the government – kopi increase – blame the government – wake up on a rainy day, the government must have devices to make it rain…let’s be honest it’s like a love-hate sitcom between the government and the people. All jokes aside, here’s what we understand about the floods in Singapore:
Floods in Singapore
The rain began around midnight and persisted into the afternoon of October 14 – which resulted in one of the highest daily rainfall totals since 1978 – and caused widespread floods across various parts of Singapore. The Public Utilities Board (PUB) issues flood risk and non-stop rain warnings in several locations. In western Singapore alone, approximately 80% of the average monthly rainfall for October was recorded between 8.15am and 1.50pm.
Videos have been circulating online where locations are seen heavily affected by knee-deep water such as Bukit Timah and Bedok. These flash floods such as here on Reddit posted by user travisbotak submerged roads and pedestrian walkways in water before subsiding within a 30-minute period. So it wasn’t all bad.
Although, the flood in Singapore caused significant disruptions to traffic and public transport as buses and cars were partially submerged as they drove through flooded streets.
Unfortunately, the bad Singapore weather is set to continue as Meteorological Service Singapore noted that heavy rain, thundery showers, blustery winds, and increased lightning, are forecasted for several days as part of inter-monsoon conditions.
Singaporean reactions
Ironically, Singaporeans often blame the government for events due to high expectations of a fast and effective solution to problems, including natural disasters like the floods on October 14. We found some hilarious comments online where Singaporeans expressed their frustration and complaints such as:
- ”Looks like the government ordered extra rain today to test our swimming skills!”
- ”Maybe this is part of a secret plan to turn Bukit Timah into Venice?”
- ”I guess the new national sport is water polo!”
- ”The government must be trying to give us a free car wash service!”
- ”I knew I should have invested in a kayak instead of an MRT card.”
- ”Almost 50 years? therefore government is almost correct. LOL”
Or maybe this unexpected natural disaster was the result of climate change?
What measurements are being taken to prevent floods?
Despite heavy floods in Singapore this week, the city actually takes comprehensive measures to prevent future floods by employing a Source-Pathway-Receptor approach to stormwater management. This includes on-site detention systems, enhancing drainage, and installment of protective measures in a flood-prone area or a rain area. Plus, the government launched the Coastal Protection and Flood Management Research Programme with a budget of S$125 million to help flood resilience in the country.
SEE MORE: 55+ Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In Singapore