PEOPLE NEED TO BE READY FOR FLOODS
While PUB works on protecting the country, people also have to take the initiative to prepare for floods, Mr Neo told CNA.
For developers, it means designing buildings to PUB’s standards and ensuring that drainage systems are maintained, he said. Those in known flood-prone areas should work with the agency to come up with the best way to protect themselves, he added.
He urged the general public to sign up for PUB’s flood alerts on social media and messaging platforms like Telegram – the first step in being ready for such events.
On its part, the agency keeps an eye on the amount of rain in Singapore.
“This is important because we strive to alert the public early so that they can keep away from floods and prepare themselves when the flood comes,” said Mr Neo.
“This early forecast and warning will help me deploy my people early to the ground to assist the public.”
PUB has zoned 700 households and businesses as being in flood-prone areas such as Beach Road and Lorong Buangkok, as well as in flood hotspots like Cavenagh Road/ Kramat Lane and Hougang Ave 8.
Flood-prone areas refer to low-lying places with a history of flooding, while hotspots are locations that are not low-lying but have experienced flash floods.
