SINGAPORE – A heavy downpour on the afternoon of April 21 triggered yet another flash flood at Yishun Avenue 7, near the intersection with Yishun Street 22. This marks the third flood in the area within just nine days, raising serious concerns about the drainage infrastructure in northern Singapore.
The flood was reported by PUB (Public Utilities Board) at 3.30pm, with officers quickly deployed to assist affected residents and redirect traffic. Fortunately, the water subsided within approximately 25 minutes, though not without leaving an impact.
Yishun Declared a Flood Hot Spot
In a Facebook update on the evening of April 21, PUB acknowledged the repeated flooding at Yishun Avenue 7. The agency attributed the incidents to heavy rainfall overwhelming the roadside drainage system, and officially designated the area a flood hot spot.
“PUB will be implementing measures to enhance drainage in this area,” the agency stated.
The heaviest rainfall recorded on April 21 was 102.8mm, primarily over northern Singapore between 2.55pm and 5.05pm. This volume equates to 42% of the nation’s average monthly rainfall for April, placing it among the top 3% of maximum daily rainfall measured since 1978.
Third Flash Flood in Less Than Two Weeks
This is not an isolated incident. Yishun Avenue 7 was previously hit by flash floods on:
- April 13, alongside flooding at Buangkok East Drive and Punggol Way.
- April 15, again near the Yishun Street 22 junction.
Each incident followed episodes of intense thundery showers, a weather pattern that the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) expects to persist throughout the month.
Flash Floods Continue Across the Island
Yishun is not alone in facing weather-related challenges. On April 20, flash floods were reported in several locations in Bukit Timah, including:
- Kings Road
- Bukit Timah Road
- Coronation Walk
- Junction of Stevens Road and Balmoral Road
PUB issued flood risk warnings for 18 areas, including Orchard Road, Toa Payoh, Paya Lebar, Boon Lay, and Hillcrest Road.
The central region recorded 113.2mm of rainfall between 4.15pm and 6.25pm on April 20—almost half of April’s average rainfall, and among the top 2% of maximum daily rainfall since 1978.
Floodwaters at these locations subsided within about an hour, thanks to the swift intervention of PUB’s Quick Response Team.
Long-Term Solutions in Progress
PUB is actively working on drainage infrastructure upgrades in flood-prone areas. For example, works are ongoing to expand a section of the Bukit Timah Canal (from Rifle Range Road to Jalan Kampong Chantek), with completion expected by 2026.
Similarly, Yishun is set to receive enhanced drainage solutions following its new designation as a hot spot.
Singapore’s Wet April: Record Rainfall and Soaring Temperatures
The flash floods come amid one of the wettest Aprils in recent years. On April 13, MSS recorded 117mm of rainfall around Yishun Ring Road—the highest daily rainfall for the first half of the month.
Despite frequent showers, nine days in April have seen temperatures exceed 34°C, with the highest being 36.2°C in Paya Lebar on April 12.
Singapore’s record high temperature remains 37°C, recorded in Ang Mo Kio (May 13, 2023) and Tengah (April 17, 1983).
Rainfall data for the first half of April showed vast variability:
- Yio Chu Kang Road: 217% above average
- Kranji Reservoir: 9% below average
Staying Safe During Flash Floods
PUB urges the public to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures during heavy rains. Real-time updates are available through PUB’s MyENV app and social media channels. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid flood-prone areas during stormy weather.
Conclusion
The recent spate of flash floods in Yishun and across Singapore serves as a stark reminder of the pressures climate change and urban development place on infrastructure. With PUB stepping in to improve drainage and long-term flood prevention measures underway, residents can hope for more resilient systems in the near future.
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