PUB has identified poor drainage and maintenance as the causes behind two flooding incidents that occurred during the recent monsoon surge in Singapore.
Drainage Failures at Marina Bay and Bedok Flooding Sites
On 21 Mar 2024, flooding occurred along Central Lane 3 near Marina Bay MRT station. The flood affected a paved road built for access to an adjacent worksite. PUB’s checks revealed no proper drainage system was in place to channel storm water from the area.
A video of the incident showed a person wading through knee-high water toward a stationary taxi, which had half its wheels submerged.
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Two days later, on 23 Mar 2024, another flooding incident was reported at the ground floor lift lobby of Block 129 Bedok Reservoir Road. PUB found that internal drains near the lobby were choked with debris, preventing proper water flow.
A video of this incident captured water covering the corridor and lift lobby of the Housing Board block.
PUB stated both flooding incidents could have been prevented with proper drainage measures and timely maintenance of internal drainage systems. The national water agency is now working closely with relevant authorities to address these issues.
Monsoon Surge Brings Heavy Rainfall Across Singapore
The National Environment Agency had earlier warned of a monsoon surge from 19 Mar to 21 Mar 2024, predicting heavy downpours followed by short thundery showers in the afternoons of the following week.
During this period, rainfall measurements exceeded Singapore’s average monthly March rainfall of 209.7mm.
The highest rainfall was recorded in Jurong West at 318mm across 19 Mar and 20 Mar 2024. Eastern Singapore saw a maximum rainfall of 298.4mm during the same period.
Beyond the Marina Bay and Bedok incidents, flooding also affected a 15m stretch along the intersection of Mountbatten Road and Jalan Seaview. This flooding lasted for about two hours around 2pm on 20 Mar 2024.
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PUB attributed this incident to a combination of heavy rainfall and high tide that temporarily overwhelmed the adjacent canal and surrounding roadside drains. A nearby property also experienced flooding within its premises.
PUB emphasized that flood management requires collective effort. The agency works with stakeholders including building owners and developers to strengthen flood resilience.
Their Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage outlines requirements for minimum platform and crest levels for buildings, as well as flood protection measures that must be implemented and maintained.
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