A heavy downpour on April 13, 2025, caused significant flooding in parts of Punggol, exposing apparent design or structural shortcomings in several recently built facilities.
One notable incident occurred at the multi-storey carpark of Block 409B Northshore Drive. Torrents of water were seen pouring through the ceiling, flooding the carpark roadway and catching residents off guard. The flooding prompted safety concerns among residents, with many questioning the building’s drainage and waterproofing systems. By April 14, workers were seen on-site carrying out repair works to address the issue. The speed of the follow-up efforts suggests that the authorities or building management are treating the incident seriously.
The flooding at Punggol Coast Mall, a newly opened shopping centre, drew even more attention online due to the dramatic visuals shared by visitors. On Level 1, water was seen flowing from a ceiling light fitting in an open public area. The leakage resulted in ponding on the floor, sparking fears among netizens about the potential for a ceiling collapse. These fears were amplified by the fact that the affected ceiling structure reaches an estimated height of six to ten meters, adding to the perceived risk should the situation worsen.
Level 2 of the mall was also affected. Near the Aston Restaurant, water was seen gushing into a decorative waterfall feature. While the feature is designed to manage flowing water, the volume from the rain overwhelmed the system, flooding the surrounding garden area and creating a messy scene. The situation was captured on video and circulated widely online, prompting discussions over the mall’s readiness to handle Singapore’s increasingly unpredictable weather.
Although no injuries were reported, the multiple incidents sparked concern among the public over the durability and weather resistance of new developments in the area. The mall's interior was reportedly cleaned and restored shortly after the rain, but netizens are calling for a transparent investigation into whether proper construction standards were followed, especially given that the mall had only recently opened.
Residents expressed surprise that such flooding could happen in new buildings, with some questioning whether enough stress testing had been done before opening the facilities to the public. There is also concern about long-term maintenance and whether drainage infrastructure is robust enough to handle sudden downpours, which are becoming more frequent due to changing weather patterns.
Calls have been made for relevant authorities, including building management, developers, and public agencies, to assess and rectify the issues swiftly. The incident has triggered debate about the importance of designing new buildings with climate resilience in mind, especially in residential and public-use spaces.
The April 13 incident serves as a timely reminder that even new developments are not immune to weather-related damage. With urban expansion continuing in areas like Punggol, ensuring safety and structural integrity must remain a top priority. Residents and the wider public are hoping that thorough inspections will be carried out and that similar occurrences can be prevented in the future.
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