Heavy rain in eastern, central Singapore causes flash floods

SINGAPORE — Heavy rain over the eastern and central parts of Singapore yesterday afternoon resulted in flash floods in several locations.

According to the PUB, a total of 77 millimetres of rain was recorded at the Kim Chuan rain gauge from 4.20pm to 6.40pm, of which, 60.2mm fell over 30 minutes from 5.05pm. Flash floods, reported in seven locations, subsided within 30 minutes, except for the flood at Arumugam Road which subsided within one hour, said the PUB.

In four locations — Paya Lebar Road, the Service Road off Upper Paya Lebar Road, Arumugam Road and Ubi Ave 2, and Eunos Crescent — the flash floods occurred because the Geylang River was flowing full during the storm. Drainage improvement work to upgrade the river is on-going and is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of next year.

The three other locations that experienced flash floods were the junction of Macpherson Road and Harvey Road, the Pan-Island Expressway slip road at Stevens Road Exit, and Thomson Road.

The PUB said it has scheduled drainage improvement work at Harvey Road and Thomson Road. Detailed design for the drainage work will be carried out next year.

Last week, several areas in the eastern parts of Singapore were hit by flash floods following pre-dawn thundery showers. The intense showers also caused some damage to Pasir Ris Polyclinic.

Last month, severe flash floods forced the closure of part of the Ayer Rajah Expressway.