Flash floods could hit low-lying coastal areas in eastern Singapore on Saturday: PUB

Today Online 2 Feb 18;

SINGAPORE — Flash floods may hit low-lying coastal areas in eastern Singapore again on Saturday (Feb 3) if heavy rain coincides with unusually high tides, said the PUB in an advisory on Friday (Feb 2).

PUB’s comments comes after a high tide of 3.44m occurred around noon on Friday in eastern Singapore. It subsided after an hour.

The high tide resulted in seawater flowing inland through the roadside drain onto the junction of Amber Road and Mountbatten Road.

“(On Saturday), another high tide of 3.4m is expected to set in again at 12.45pm,” said the PUB. Tide levels of 3m and above are considered to be higher than normal.

“During the high tide periods, canals and drains which lead to the sea and are therefore influenced by tides, will see high water levels,” added the PUB. “Seawater may also overflow from the drains and flood the roads.

In the event of heavy rain coinciding with the high tides, flash floods may occur in the low-lying coastal areas such as Jalan Seaview, Meyer Road, Fort Road and Tanjong Rhu.

On Friday, PUB officers were on standby at the site in case they had to clear any chokages in drains, as well as warn drivers and pedestrians not to drive into or enter flooded areas.

“We advise the public to exercise care should flash floods occur, and avoid stepping into or driving into any flooded areas,” said the PUB.