PUB offers sandbags to residents and business owners in bid to cope with flooding

When residents and shop-owners in low-lying, flood-prone areas start seeing PUB officers more frequently on the ground, they know that the Northeast Monsoon season is around the corner.

Each year, Singapore’s National Water Agency PUB distributes monsoon advisories and reminders to the community and stakeholders in preparation for wetter weather and possible flash floods. The Northeast Monsoon is expected to start in December and last until March 2019.

PUB has stepped up its routine checks on the drainage systems at critical installations and construction sites around Singapore. Some 4,000 building owners will receive reminders from PUB to inspect their on-site drainage systems and ensure that these systems are operationally ready to cope with the higher rainfall during the monsoon season.

This year, PUB will also offer sandbags to about 600 residents and businesses in flood-prone areas, which are typically low-lying, upon request. The sandbags could be utilised for additional protection and prevent floodwaters from entering their premises.​

For the first time, PUB is working with the Automobile Association of Singapore to advise its members/motorists on safety tips during flash flood. During flash floods, floodwaters may rise rapidly within minutes. As a gauge, if the road kerb is submerged and not visible, motorists should avoid entering the flooded area as their vehicles may stall.

Mr Yeo Keng Soon, PUB’s Director of Catchment and Waterways, said: “With more unpredictable weather due to climate change, PUB has upped its efforts to prepare our community for the coming Monsoon. This year, we are helping residents and shop owners in flood-prone areas to take additional flood protection measures by providing them with sandbags.

“We are taking a more active approach to educate motorists on safety tips during flash floods. Developers, building owners and contractors continue to play an important role by ensuring that their drainage systems are clear, so that the drains can convey stormwater effectively during heavy rain”.

“On our part, PUB will press on with its ‘pathway’ measures by continually improving our extensive network of drainage infrastructure across the island.

“We are also pleased to see more developers putting in ‘source’ and ‘receptor’ measures to contain and slow down runoff into public drains and to protect their developments from floods. This comprehensive approach on the part of everyone will help to enhance flood resilience across Singapore.”

For more information on PUB’s preparation efforts for the monsoon season, visit the water agency’s website here.