Why are there flash floods in Singapore?

Environmental science experts warn that Singapore could expect more erratic weather to occur in future. Global warming and the associated increase in temperature is commonly linked to intense ‘precipitation’ extremes around the world. Precipitation is an important cause of flash flooding.

Why are Flash floods increasing?

With high levels of runoff due to the concentration of buildings and other infrastructure, urban areas are particularly prone to flash-flood damage. Heavy-precipitation events leading to flash flooding have increased in recent decades.

Why did flash flood problems start?

Generally, most flash flooding can be caused by a number of things due to slow-moving thunderstorms or a multiple of thunderstorms moving over the same area. Flash floods often carry away some trees along the river, and these floods can destroy buildings, roads, bridges, etc.

When was the last time Singapore flooded?

Monday, 3 June 2019 Heavy rains on Monday afternoon led to flash floods over Commonwealth Lane and Craig Road at approximately 1.24pm, with both lanes affected. Four minutes later, floodwaters subsided along Commonwealth Lane. At 2.06pm, it is also reported that flooding in Craig Road have also receded.

Which part of Singapore flooded?

SINGAPORE – Heavy rain across Singapore on Monday afternoon (Sept 6) caused a flash flood in Jurong East Street 32, said national water agency PUB.

What caused flooding?

Flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods can happen during heavy rains, when ocean waves come on shore, when snow melts quickly, or when dams or levees break. Flash floods occur when heavy rainfall exceeds the ability of the ground to absorb it.

What is the major reason of flooding?

Floods are the most frequent type of natural disaster and occur when an overflow of water submerges land that is usually dry. Floods are often caused by heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt or a storm surge from a tropical cyclone or tsunami in coastal areas.

What causes a flood?

What causes heavy rain in Singapore?

This sets up a temperature gradient across the tropical Indian Ocean, with cooler-than-normal water in the west, and warmer-than-normal water in the east. The warmer pool fuels the formation of rain clouds, and results in heavier-than-usual rainfall over Singapore.

Why is it called flash flooding?

Flash flooding gets its name because of the sudden deluge after a heavy rainfall, which the Weather Service says is the most common cause.

Why did Singapore flood in 1960s?

In the 1960s and 1970s, the city-state witnessed heavy flooding during the monsoon seasons, especially in the city center as it was built in a low-lying area. Flash floods or rapid flooding usually occurs in low-lying areas and can be caused by heavy rain, hurricane, tropical storm or meltwater from glaciers.

What are the flood-prone areas in Singapore?

Flood-prone areas in Singapore are the low-lying areas with a history of flooding. According to PUB, the area has reduced from 3,200 hectares in the 1970s to 30.5 hectares in 2016. Most of the times the drains cannot cope up with the logged water and the drains aren’t designed to hold extremely heavy rainfall.

What are the causes of flash floods?

Flash floods or rapid flooding usually occurs in low-lying areas and can be caused by heavy rain, hurricane, tropical storm or meltwater from glaciers. Even a collapse of a natural dam or man-made dam can also be a cause behind the occurrence of flash floods, for example, the Johnstown flood of 1889.

What caused the flash flood at Upper Serangoon?

The flash flood at Upper Serangoon was due to a choke in an unapproved temporary drainage which was constructed. It was constructed by a contractor carrying out road work for the Land Transport Authority at the Woodsville flyover. The pipes were undersized and not properly connected.