Flash flood safety in Singapore: what actually helps

Singapore's flood-prone area has shrunk dramatically since the 1970s through decades of drainage investment, but short, intense rainfall can still temporarily exceed drain capacity, causing localized flash floods that typically last under an hour. PUB monitors conditions in real time from its Joint Operations Centre, using over 1,000 water-level sensors and 500+ CCTV cameras islandwide.

How to get alerted

• PUB's Flood Alerts Telegram channel posts real-time heavy rain and flash flood risk warnings for specific roads and areas.
• The myENV app can be configured to push notifications for heavy rain and drain water level alerts.
• PUB also offers SMS alerts for heavy rain warnings issued by the Meteorological Service Singapore.

If you're on foot or driving

1. Avoid flooded areas entirely if possible — an alternate route is safer even if slower.
2. Don't walk into flooded areas. If you see one ahead, turn back toward higher ground, since floodwater can rise suddenly.
3. While driving, avoid roads flooded above kerb height or where lane markings are no longer visible.
4. If a flooded stretch is unavoidable and assessed as passable, drive slowly and steadily, avoid braking, and keep to the middle lane where water tends to be shallower.
5. If floodwater stalls your car, do not attempt to restart it — turn on hazard lights and get to safety.

Coastal flooding is a separate risk

Beyond drainage-related flash floods, Singapore also experiences coastal flooding when high tides coincide with heavy rain or storm surges — East Coast Park is a known example location.