Flooding along a stretch of Jalan Seaview on Friday, 10 January, was caused by heavy rain coinciding with a high tide of 2.8m, Singapore’s national water agency PUB confirmed on Sunday. The incident was attributed to the ongoing monsoon surge, which overwhelmed nearby roadside drains and canals, PUB said in a Facebook post.
PUB had earlier issued flood risk warnings for several locations, including Jalan Seaview, the junction of Mountbatten Road and Tanjong Katong South Road, and Jalan Pokok Serunai. These areas experienced high water levels in drains and canals as a result of the heavy rainfall.
Quick response efforts
To mitigate the impact of the flooding, PUB deployed quick response teams (QRTs) to flood-prone areas over the past two days. These teams assisted residents in Jalan Seaview by pumping water from flooded roads and distributing flood protection devices, such as inflatable floodbags.
In a statement accompanying a photograph of a QRT officer distributing these devices to a resident, PUB noted the measures were part of its continued efforts to alleviate the challenges faced by residents during extreme weather conditions.
Record-breaking rainfall
Singapore has been experiencing prolonged rainfall since Friday, 10 January, with moderate to heavy downpours affecting many areas.
PUB reported that Changi recorded the highest rainfall between Friday and Saturday, measuring 255.2mm—surpassing Singapore’s average monthly rainfall for January, which stands at 222.4mm. The agency expects the rainy weather to persist until Monday, 15 January.
Addressing misinformation
PUB also addressed concerns about videos circulating online that purportedly depict flooding incidents from November and December last year. The agency urged the public to refrain from sharing such videos, as they could lead to confusion or unnecessary alarm. PUB emphasised the importance of verifying information and relying on official updates.
Public advisory
The agency advised residents to remain vigilant during this period of heavy rain and potential flash floods. It recommended using the MyENV app or PUB’s Flood Alerts Telegram channel to receive real-time updates on weather and flood conditions. These tools can help residents plan their routes and avoid flood-prone areas.
PUB reiterated its commitment to addressing flooding issues and encouraged the public to report any incidents promptly.
