CBD floood (ST. Regis carpark flooood)
- Thread starter Mockngbrd
- Start date
Re: Orchard Road flooded
Robot, where u stay?C3P0;561304 said:When rain came this morning, big commotion in my neighbour. People shifting things, shouting, driving their cars away to high ground.
A bit chaotic. All paranoid liao. Poor thing, imagine heavy rain at 2am, all no need to sleep....
C3P0
Well-Known Member
Re: Orchard Road flooded
I told my sister about the tree that killed the poor man at Upper Thomson. She asked me, why didn't he avoid the falling tree?
Robot stunned...... :shock: ......
And
.............
I told my sister about the tree that killed the poor man at Upper Thomson. She asked me, why didn't he avoid the falling tree?
Robot stunned...... :shock: ......
And
.............Opposite Eng Soon. Want to buy anything? :chinese:davidtch;561371 said:
Re: Orchard Road flooded (again) (& again)
Sounds alot like what PML will tell you if you have a tree that fell on your car.
wt_know;561386 said:
Sounds alot like what PML will tell you if you have a tree that fell on your car.
Re: Orchard Road flooded (again) (& again)
The garang ones have spoken against the Minister Mentor......
Surely there's a way?
Singapore has always overcome the odds - why not a flooding problem?
Letter from James Ang 05:55 AM Jul 23, 2010
I refer to the article "No way to prevent floods: MM Lee" (June 22). Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said that "whatever we do when we get extraordinary rains like we had recently, no amount of engineering can prevent flooding".
With all due respect to Mr Lee, his remark is disappointing, coming from an inspirational leader who has taken a 600-sq-km island with squatters and swamps to a 700-sq-km First World nation with an unmatched infrastructure in this region.
I was expecting a "never-say-die" attitude, challenging PUB's engineers to come up with an innovative solution.
The official cause of the floods has changed from a "once-in-50 years" event, to a culvert in Tanglin, to a by-product of Typhoon Conson, to the Stamford canal - and I am not confident if PUB has really nailed the root cause or causes to be able to develop a holistic solution.
Mr Lee's view also seems in contrast to the PUB CEO's statement that the flood in Orchard Road was "unacceptable".
Singapore has overcome so many insurmountable obstacles over the years. Citizens have always backed the authorities when a tough but practical decision has to be made to solve a problem, and I expect more challenges ahead - but a defeatist attitude is surely not the way forward.
A solution above ground?
Letter from Dr Huen Yeong Kong
As a retired engineer, I think it is premature to announce that there is no engineering solution to the repeated flooding problems.
It is true we have no space at ground level to widen all the drains. But a well designed, above-ground canal network would intercept at least 25 per cent of the heavy downpour and save Singapore from most flooding.
Yes, it is expensive, but it is not impossible because these superstructures would also support solar panels and provide shade that would save air-conditioning energy cost. This is a win-win situation, so why have our civil engineers not pointed this out?
Pumps and water tanks
Letter from Gilbert Tan Hee Khian
The MRT line and many new commercial buildings and high-rise apartments in and around Orchard Road have reduced much of the land surface and underground area for water to run off.
To address this, new developments could be required to build storm drains beneath the buildings, with mechanised devices to pump water in the event of heavy rainstorms. Additional water tanks can be constructed in between or on top of buildings to alleviate flooding; water from the tanks can be released in a coordinated manner when the storm blows over.
TODAYonline | Voices | Surely there's a way??
The garang ones have spoken against the Minister Mentor......
Surely there's a way?
Singapore has always overcome the odds - why not a flooding problem?
Letter from James Ang 05:55 AM Jul 23, 2010
I refer to the article "No way to prevent floods: MM Lee" (June 22). Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said that "whatever we do when we get extraordinary rains like we had recently, no amount of engineering can prevent flooding".
With all due respect to Mr Lee, his remark is disappointing, coming from an inspirational leader who has taken a 600-sq-km island with squatters and swamps to a 700-sq-km First World nation with an unmatched infrastructure in this region.
I was expecting a "never-say-die" attitude, challenging PUB's engineers to come up with an innovative solution.
The official cause of the floods has changed from a "once-in-50 years" event, to a culvert in Tanglin, to a by-product of Typhoon Conson, to the Stamford canal - and I am not confident if PUB has really nailed the root cause or causes to be able to develop a holistic solution.
Mr Lee's view also seems in contrast to the PUB CEO's statement that the flood in Orchard Road was "unacceptable".
Singapore has overcome so many insurmountable obstacles over the years. Citizens have always backed the authorities when a tough but practical decision has to be made to solve a problem, and I expect more challenges ahead - but a defeatist attitude is surely not the way forward.
A solution above ground?
Letter from Dr Huen Yeong Kong
As a retired engineer, I think it is premature to announce that there is no engineering solution to the repeated flooding problems.
It is true we have no space at ground level to widen all the drains. But a well designed, above-ground canal network would intercept at least 25 per cent of the heavy downpour and save Singapore from most flooding.
Yes, it is expensive, but it is not impossible because these superstructures would also support solar panels and provide shade that would save air-conditioning energy cost. This is a win-win situation, so why have our civil engineers not pointed this out?
Pumps and water tanks
Letter from Gilbert Tan Hee Khian
The MRT line and many new commercial buildings and high-rise apartments in and around Orchard Road have reduced much of the land surface and underground area for water to run off.
To address this, new developments could be required to build storm drains beneath the buildings, with mechanised devices to pump water in the event of heavy rainstorms. Additional water tanks can be constructed in between or on top of buildings to alleviate flooding; water from the tanks can be released in a coordinated manner when the storm blows over.
TODAYonline | Voices | Surely there's a way??
Re: Orchard Road flooded (again) (& again)
Home, home in the rain
I'm heading back to Singapore, wellingtons in my suitcase
by Tabitha Wang 05:55 AM Jul 23, 2010
Due to luck more than planning, I will be home this weekend, in time to catch the Singapore Food Festival.
But my spirits have been dampened somewhat by the news of the flash floods over the past weekend, the third time they've struck the island since June 16.
What should I pack? Will I be tucking into my favourite hawker food perched on a stool while water swirls around me?
Usually, my suitcase is full of sundresses, sandals and slippers, but this time, I am seriously considering packing my typhoon gear of wellingtons and anorak, too.
I bought those boots in Bangkok on a shopping trip with my Singaporean friends. And I remember they were all laughing and asking me: "Just how bad is the drainage in Hong Kong again?"
Pretty bad, actually. Because Hong Kong has lots of mountains, many of its streets are pretty steep so, whenever there is a downpour, they become instant waterfalls.
The water can turn ankle-deep in a matter of minutes - which is why many Hongkongers wear rain boots when there is a thunderstorm warning.
I used to complain so much about those tiny floods at first. "This would never have happened in Singapore," I'd grouse to my colleagues.
I'm having to eat my words now.
The first time the floods hit Orchard Road, a colleague sent me the now-famous faked picture of a dragon boat team paddling past Tangs with the words:
"So never in Singapore, you say?"
Well, at least it shows Singaporeans can laugh in the face of adversity. A friend and fellow columnist wrote on his Facebook page: "By the rivers of Orchard Road, where we sat down. And there we wept, when we remembered Ion."
And everyone has his favourite theory as to why Singapore is facing its worst floods in more than 50 years.
Like my Facebook friend, some said Ion Orchard (which incidentally was jointly developed by a Hong Kong company) was to blame. Before, the hill absorbed the rainwater, but now, it slides off the fancy roof to pool at the junction of Scotts and Orchard Roads.
Others are convinced the construction of Marina Bay Sands is the culprit. "They had to drain the water for easy access. That's why not all Marina Barrages' gates were open at first," a friend ventured.
Still others are convinced there is a feng shui explanation behind the floods - something to do with the designs of the casinos, I think, but that explanation is beyond me.
I certainly don't remember such floods in Singapore ever.
When I was looking for places to buy, people warned me off low-lying areas such as Opera Estate and anywhere close to the Bukit Timah Canal.
But that was just as a "by the way". Nobody thought floods were a serious problem.
And in my 10 years of driving, I never encountered a flood that couldn't be surmounted by my trusty jeep or even my low-slung hatchback.
The worst I'd faced was when the water seeped in through the gap beneath the car doors and wet the floormats - but that was about it. Water didn't go anywhere near the engine.
I think what's most sobering about the floods is that they remind us just how vulnerable Singapore is. Most areas are no more than 15 metres above sea level. In fact, the Central Business District is less than 2m above sea level.
They show us that no matter how much we think we're in control of our urban landscape, we are still at the mercy of Mother Nature.
So there's not much we can do, short of building an air-conditioned dome to protect the whole country from the environment (and why not, seeing as Singapore's economy is growing at such a blistering rate).
In the meantime, I will pack my rain boots. And, seeing as some say thousand-dollar bags are just floating out of the stores these days, possibly some scuba gear as well in case I need to go deep-sea shopping.
Tabitha Wang wishes she'd bought shares in Singapore Ducktours.
Home, home in the rain
I'm heading back to Singapore, wellingtons in my suitcase
by Tabitha Wang 05:55 AM Jul 23, 2010
Due to luck more than planning, I will be home this weekend, in time to catch the Singapore Food Festival.
But my spirits have been dampened somewhat by the news of the flash floods over the past weekend, the third time they've struck the island since June 16.
What should I pack? Will I be tucking into my favourite hawker food perched on a stool while water swirls around me?
Usually, my suitcase is full of sundresses, sandals and slippers, but this time, I am seriously considering packing my typhoon gear of wellingtons and anorak, too.
I bought those boots in Bangkok on a shopping trip with my Singaporean friends. And I remember they were all laughing and asking me: "Just how bad is the drainage in Hong Kong again?"
Pretty bad, actually. Because Hong Kong has lots of mountains, many of its streets are pretty steep so, whenever there is a downpour, they become instant waterfalls.
The water can turn ankle-deep in a matter of minutes - which is why many Hongkongers wear rain boots when there is a thunderstorm warning.
I used to complain so much about those tiny floods at first. "This would never have happened in Singapore," I'd grouse to my colleagues.
I'm having to eat my words now.
The first time the floods hit Orchard Road, a colleague sent me the now-famous faked picture of a dragon boat team paddling past Tangs with the words:
"So never in Singapore, you say?"
Well, at least it shows Singaporeans can laugh in the face of adversity. A friend and fellow columnist wrote on his Facebook page: "By the rivers of Orchard Road, where we sat down. And there we wept, when we remembered Ion."
And everyone has his favourite theory as to why Singapore is facing its worst floods in more than 50 years.
Like my Facebook friend, some said Ion Orchard (which incidentally was jointly developed by a Hong Kong company) was to blame. Before, the hill absorbed the rainwater, but now, it slides off the fancy roof to pool at the junction of Scotts and Orchard Roads.
Others are convinced the construction of Marina Bay Sands is the culprit. "They had to drain the water for easy access. That's why not all Marina Barrages' gates were open at first," a friend ventured.
Still others are convinced there is a feng shui explanation behind the floods - something to do with the designs of the casinos, I think, but that explanation is beyond me.
I certainly don't remember such floods in Singapore ever.
When I was looking for places to buy, people warned me off low-lying areas such as Opera Estate and anywhere close to the Bukit Timah Canal.
But that was just as a "by the way". Nobody thought floods were a serious problem.
And in my 10 years of driving, I never encountered a flood that couldn't be surmounted by my trusty jeep or even my low-slung hatchback.
The worst I'd faced was when the water seeped in through the gap beneath the car doors and wet the floormats - but that was about it. Water didn't go anywhere near the engine.
I think what's most sobering about the floods is that they remind us just how vulnerable Singapore is. Most areas are no more than 15 metres above sea level. In fact, the Central Business District is less than 2m above sea level.
They show us that no matter how much we think we're in control of our urban landscape, we are still at the mercy of Mother Nature.
So there's not much we can do, short of building an air-conditioned dome to protect the whole country from the environment (and why not, seeing as Singapore's economy is growing at such a blistering rate).
In the meantime, I will pack my rain boots. And, seeing as some say thousand-dollar bags are just floating out of the stores these days, possibly some scuba gear as well in case I need to go deep-sea shopping.
Tabitha Wang wishes she'd bought shares in Singapore Ducktours.
Re: Orchard Road flooded (again) (& again)
Complacency breed Incompetence - Old man no engineer so easily bullshited by those complacent civil servant...Still cannot understand how Dr Yaacob can draw conclusion few hours after first flood pointing to leaves and debris choking the drains..
Complacency breed Incompetence - Old man no engineer so easily bullshited by those complacent civil servant...Still cannot understand how Dr Yaacob can draw conclusion few hours after first flood pointing to leaves and debris choking the drains..
axl
Well-Known Member
Re: Orchard Road flooded (again) (& again)
Would he have had the same kinda stance ("inevitable... deal with it") if the same magnitude of flooding has happened in Old Thomson Village in the '60s or even the '70s?
What has changed?
Seat of power so ensconced that his generations after are guaranteed to be perpetually comfortable? Is this a case of being perched so high onto the ivory towers that you lose touch with the sentiments of the citizens, the very people the governement is supposed to SERVE? Now, what was it that Abe Lincoln said about goverments again...
Would he have had the same kinda stance ("inevitable... deal with it") if the same magnitude of flooding has happened in Old Thomson Village in the '60s or even the '70s?
What has changed?
Seat of power so ensconced that his generations after are guaranteed to be perpetually comfortable? Is this a case of being perched so high onto the ivory towers that you lose touch with the sentiments of the citizens, the very people the governement is supposed to SERVE? Now, what was it that Abe Lincoln said about goverments again...
Last edited by a moderator:
gr8golf88
Well-Known Member
Re: Orchard Road flooded (again) (& again)
Saw this from my friend's facebook post...sharing here...
signs if flood persisted:
7- National Stadium to be rebuilt as National Swimming Pool
6 - Merlion is sucking water instead of spewing water
5 - Bukit Timah is now waterfront property
4 - McDonald's to introduce swim-tru ordering
3 - Driving schools to introduce swimming as a module
2 - YOG theme is Dayung Sampan
1 - Johor wants to buy water from us
Saw this from my friend's facebook post...sharing here...
signs if flood persisted:
7- National Stadium to be rebuilt as National Swimming Pool
6 - Merlion is sucking water instead of spewing water
5 - Bukit Timah is now waterfront property
4 - McDonald's to introduce swim-tru ordering
3 - Driving schools to introduce swimming as a module
2 - YOG theme is Dayung Sampan
1 - Johor wants to buy water from us
