Straits Times Forum 2 Nov 11;
SUNDAY'S article ('Malaysia prepares to brave monsoon') mentioned the Malaysian authorities ramping up preparations for the north-east monsoon. The country's Meteorological Department is expecting five to six heavy rainfall episodes with 40 per cent above-normal rainfall.
The article also mentioned the Indonesian authorities forecasting heavy rain and strong winds.
The current flooding in Thailand is a clear reminder that we cannot take things for granted. We are surrounded by water, and any major flooding will greatly affect our economy, infrastructure and livelihood.
Since Singapore has already been hit by flash floods this year, I hope the authorities and relevant agencies have made the necessary preparations and would update the public as to what measures have been taken, as well as inform us about the monitoring and alert systems, including evacuation procedures.
Information on the precautions and measures that residents, and those on the ground floor and basement of shops, buildings or factories, can take should also be included.
Hopefully, all the relevant agencies, such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force and national water agency PUB, are ready and prepared.
Are the MRT operators preparing for flood prevention of their tunnels and underground stations? There are drills in the event of train breakdowns and fire, but what about flooding?
As for strong winds, is the National Parks Board going to conduct another round of checks on trees, and is the HDB checking on potted plants and hanging items in high-rise flats?
We need to draw lessons from our past flooding experiences and the current situation in Thailand, while hoping that it would not happen here.
Wo Kay Liang
