Unexpected Flood at Pasir Ris‑Tampines: Could Construction be the Culprit?
When the clock struck 8 a.m. on Friday, August 20, drivers heading toward the Tampines Expressway found their way split by an unwelcome surprise: water flowed right where it shouldn’t have. The national water agency PUB got a rapid response call, hurrying its Quick Response Team to the spot where Tampines Avenue 10 meets Pasir Ris Drive 12.
The Investigation Begins
PUB, via a Facebook post, stated that the agency is “looking into the possibility that nearby construction work may have either blocked drains or disrupted the normal flow of stormwater.” The area is not known for flooding, which makes the sudden rise of water a bit of a mystery.
Like a detective in a detective novel (minus the trench coat), PUB checks whether a roadside drain, a crucial spine of the drainage system, has been blocked or hijacked by construction equipment. Early reports from the Straits Times suggested this might be the case.
What Happened?
The flood surged around 8 a.m., but by 9:40 a.m., the waters subsided, marking a quick remnant of the crisis. Some residents and motorists told reporters that authorities mentioned a blocked drain—although the exact details of the culprit are still under wraps.
Authorities Speak Up
- Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean shared on Facebook that both PUB and the LTA are cooperating to investigate the spike in water levels. He urged drivers to exercise caution when passing the area, reminding everyone that ongoing construction might be lurking.
- PUB’s Guidance to motorists: Don’t drive into flooded zones. If the water rises around your car and stalls it, leave your vehicle and seek higher ground—preferably safe and secure.
What’s Next?
They’re still on the sidelines, checking drainage systems, getting input from local commuters, and coordinating with the Land Transport Authority. The hope is to pinpoint the exact cause so the next time the road opens, drivers won’t be caught in an unwarranted aquatic adventure.
In the meantime, let’s keep an eye on that drain and maybe throw a life‑jacket in for good measure—just to be safe. Stay safe out there, folks!
