Flash floods hits several areas of Singapore including the republic’s most famous shopping alley, Orchard Road, following prolonged heavy rain in the southern and central parts of the city state today.

In a statement, PUB, the national water agency, said from 2.20pm to 5.20pm, the total recorded rainfall was 152.8mm at Orchard Road.

Flash floods occurred at Cuscaden Road, Newton Circus, Kampong Java, Lincoln Road, Wee Nam Road, Cambridge Road, the junction of Moulmein Road and Thomson Road in front of United Square, and the junction of Bukit Timah junction and Sixth Avenue.

Flood waters reached up to a height of 30 centimetres for some areas and generally subsided within one hour, except at Cambridge Road, Newton Circus and junction of Moulmein Road and Thomson Road in front of United Square where the waters subsided by 6pm.   

The affected areas are mainly low-lying areas.

At Orchard Road, floodwaters pooled at the open area of Liat Towers, the underpass between Lucky Plaza and Ngee Ann City, and the basement of Lucky Plaza due to the sustained heavy downpour.

Up to eight gates at Marina Barrage were opened to maintain the water level at the Marina Reservoir within the normal range.   

PUB officers and traffic police were on site to render assistance.

- Bernama