Heavy Rain On 25 May Causes Ponding In Toa Payoh, No Flash Floods Reported

Heavy Rain Causes Ponding In Toa Payoh On 25 May Afternoon

UPDATE (27 May, 10.55am): PUB has confirmed that no flash floods occurred as a result of the heavy rain in Toa Payoh on Wednesday (25 May). You may read their statement in full below.

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The weather in Singapore has been scorching of late. However, it has also been unpredictable, with wet weather occurring when we least expect it, such as the recent heavy rain that resulted in water accumulating in several parts of Toa Payoh.

Footage shared online show a profuse build-up of water in some areas and flooded lift landings and pavements elsewhere.

Water accumulates Toa Payoh Lorong 2 after heavy rain

Footage shared on the ROADS.sg Facebook page show a large build-up of water along Toa Payoh Lorong 2 on Wednesday (25 May).

The caption on the post claimed that a flash flood had occurred as a result of the heavy rain in the afternoon.

There was so much water on the road surface that as the cars drove off, they looked as if they were surfing on the water.

When one of the cars rounded the bend and waited for the traffic light to turn green, there appeared to be considerably less water on the road.

Ponding at residential area at Toa Payoh Lorong 3

In another Facebook post by Beh Chia Lor – Singapore Road, a 55-second video shows how heavy the rain was at the ground level of a residential area along Toa Payoh Lorong 4.

As the rain poured down from the walkway shelter, the surrounding areas outside the walkway appeared flooded, with water that looked to be a few centimetres deep.

A man standing in the lift lobby was heard saying “jia lat” – “very bad” in Hokkien – presumably referring to the extent of the ponding.

As the camera pans to the right, viewers were treated to more signs of ponding further down the walkway.

On the same day, PUB shared a series of posts on its Facebook page, warning drivers about potential areas to avoid.

They similarly issued tweets about the torrential rain on Twitter.

Netizen claims flooding in Toa Payoh Lorong 2 is a long-standing issue

Judging from the comments on both Facebook posts, most netizens feel more could be done about the flash floods and ponding.

Regarding the situation at Toa Payoh Lorong 2, one netizen said it was a long-standing issue that occurs whenever there’s heavy rain.

Another netizen presented a more light-hearted view, saying the cars looked as if they were playing at a water theme park.

This Facebook user pointed out that floods seem to be more common these days, adding that it’s simply a matter of “where and when”.

PUB confirms no flash floods occurred

In response to queries from MS News, a PUB spokesperson confirmed that they were aware of water accumulation along some roads in Toa Payoh. However, there were no reported flash floods.

Here’s their statement in full:

There was intense rain storm over many areas of Singapore on 25 May afternoon. PUB issued flood risk warnings for several locations. However, no flash flood was reported.

At Toa Payoh Lorong 2, we were aware that there was water accumulation on the roads for about 15 minutes due to the heavy rain. Traffic remained passable during this period. PUB’s Quick Response Teams were deployed at Toa Payoh Lorong 2 and several locations across the island to render assistance to the public and motorists.

Hope situation remains under control

We’re glad to know that the authorities are always quick to act when residents encounter trouble such as inclement weather like this.

More importantly, it’s a relief that the consequences weren’t as concerning as some folks have claimed them to be.

Kudos to the PUB for being on high alert and carrying out their duties promptly.

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Featured image adapted from ROADS.sg on Facebook and Beh Chia Lor – Singapore Road on Facebook.