Lack of proper drainage causes floods during monsoon surge

Two incidents of flooding during the recent monsoon surge have been attributed to choked and inadequate drains in areas maintained by building owners or developers, said national water agency PUB.

In a Facebook post on March 24, PUB said a flood occurred on March 21 along Central Lane 3 near the Marina Bay MRT station.

A report of this incident by Stomp on March 23 was accompanied by a video of a person walking in knee-high water towards a stationary taxi, with half its wheels submerged in the water.

The flooded area is a paved road built to facilitate access to an adjacent worksite, PUB said, adding its checks showed there was no proper drainage there to channel storm water.

The other flood happened on March 23 at the ground-floor lift lobby of 129 Bedok Reservoir Road, and the internal drains nearby were found choked with debris.

An article by Stomp on this incident was accompanied by a video that shows a corridor and lift lobby of a Housing Board block being covered with water.

PUB said both incidents could have been prevented with proper drainage measures and timely maintenance of the internal drainage system.

It added that it is working closely with the relevant authorities to address the issues.

PUB said it also works with the likes of building owners and developers on what they must do to prevent flooding at their premises.

These include laying down requirements such as minimum platform levels for buildings and flood protection measures.

The National Environment Agency had earlier warned of heavy downpours during a monsoon surge from March 19 to March 21, with short thundery showers expected in the afternoon on most days in the following week.

The highest rainfall across March 19 and March 20 was recorded at 318mm in Jurong West, while the highest amount recorded in eastern Singapore was 298.4mm.

These two numbers exceed Singapore's average monthly rainfall of 209.7mm in March.

Other than the two incidents highlighted, a 15m stretch along the intersection of Mountbatten Road and Jalan Seaview experienced flooding for about two hours at around 2pm on March 20, PUB said in a Facebook post that day.

This was due to a combination of heavy rainfall and high tide that temporarily overwhelmed the adjacent canal and surrounding roadside drains.

The public can provide feedback on flooding incidents through the One Service app or contact PUB directly at 1800-CALL PUB (1800-225-5782).