Western Singapore Experiences Record Rainfall on Oct 14, One of the Heaviest in 40 Years
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Loading... - Takehiko Ishikawa
- 15 Oct 2024
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On the morning of October 14, western Singapore was hit by one of the heaviest rainfalls recorded in the country in the past 40 years, according to the national water agency PUB.
Between 8:15 a.m. and 1:50 p.m., 134.8mm of rain fell in western Singapore—equivalent to 80% of the country’s average October rainfall. PUB noted in a Facebook post that this downpour ranked within the top 1% of maximum daily rainfall records since 1978.
The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) reported that October typically sees an average of 168.3mm of rainfall, based on historical data from 1991 to 2020. However, with 134.8mm falling in just a few hours, the recent rainstorm far exceeded what is typical for a single day in the wet month of October.
Flooding Across the Island
The torrential rain resulted in flooding in several areas, including Tampines, Bukit Timah, and other low-lying parts of Singapore. Videos circulating on social media captured vehicles struggling to navigate waterlogged streets, while pedestrians waded through knee-deep water.
PUB issued flood risk warnings for 15 locations, including Dunearn Road (Bukit Timah), Sunset Way Estate, Bedok, Jalan Seaview (off Mountbatten Road).
On Dunearn Road, high water levels in nearby drains and the Bukit Timah Canal flooded bus stops and sidewalks. PUB confirmed that waters in the area subsided within 20 minutes, thanks to drainage systems in place.
Canal Upgrades Underway
PUB mentioned that improvement works are ongoing to widen and deepen a 900m section of the Bukit Timah Canal, which is expected to reduce future flood risks. These upgrades are scheduled for completion by 2026.
This recent event highlights the increasing need for infrastructure adaptations as Singapore faces intense weather patterns, likely linked to climate change.
