Forum: Collective effort needed to strengthen Singapore’s flood resilience amid climate change
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We thank Mr Liu Fook Thim for his views ( “Urgent action needed to deal with flash floods”
Indeed, Singapore is not spared from the impacts of climate change. Recent heavy rainfall and floods underscore the importance of continually reviewing and enhancing our flood resilience and protection measures.
PUB adopts a holistic approach towards flood protection.
Besides significant investments in drainage infrastructure and regular drainage improvement works to cope with higher-intensity storms, we also have a Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage that spells out the flood protection measures that building owners and facility developers must implement to protect their premises.
However, it is not cost-effective to expand our drainage infrastructure to accommodate every extreme rainfall event as this requires land and financial resources.
An essential component of flood resilience involves building community resilience and preparedness – supporting our community to better prepare for and respond to flood incidents through effective forecasting of intense rainfall, issuing early warnings of potential floods, and timely and effective responses to these warnings.
PUB proactively educates residents and businesses in flood-prone areas and has distributed around 800 flood protection devices to over 700 at-risk premises.
PUB launched a national flood preparedness campaign in November 2024, featuring a Community Table-top Exercise in the same month for Singapore’s east region. We plan to expand these community exercises in 2025 to more communities and neighbourhoods.
We have bolstered our flood response and rainfall forecasting capabilities. PUB has introduced the use of radar technology to forecast rainfall more accurately.
A network of over 1,000 water level sensors provides real-time data, and up to 10 Quick Response Teams are strategically positioned across the island for swift action during flood incidents.
PUB is also exploring artificial intelligence technology to enhance flood detection. The public can access flood warnings and occurrences through PUB’s Telegram channel or the myENV app, to adjust travel plans and avoid high-risk areas.
To manage flood incidents on roads, we collaborate closely with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Traffic Police to divert traffic and assist affected motorists.
LTA will also enable the ERP 2.0 on-board units to issue flood alerts; this function will be ready by mid-2025.
Through technology, infrastructure improvements and community partnership, we strive to enhance Singapore’s flood resilience.
Maurice Neo
Director, Catchment and Waterways Department
PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency
