Final Blog-Singapore

Final Blog: Singapore

 After doing research and studying the Natural Disasters that occur in Singapore. I have found that there are quite a few disasters that are quite potent in terms of damage. I would like to include Volcanoes in my top two, but volcanic eruptions rarely ever happen to a point where Singapore is affected. The small island country has been quite fortunate in location and lack of disasters, but the two disasters that I think cause the most damage in the country are flooding and typhoons. Because Singapore is a tropical country, rain happens very frequently. With the tropical climate also comes Typhoon season. These are the most frequent disasters and overall hardest to deal with. Since 2000, there has been over $24 million in flood damages. Typhoons also dislike and cause a lot  property damage due to the strong winds and ability to launch items that aren't secure to a structure or the ground.

The best ways to mitigate these disasters are to educate the people on the affects of these disasters to the people. Having the majority know what to do and how these disasters work are essential. If there was an unlimited budget, I believe a proper drainage and filtration system could. be installed to redirect the water and ultimately reuse it. Flooding destroys crops and causes tons of damage, but if it were to be properly drained and reused then there is another obtainable resource that would not be such a disaster. If the flooding occurs in a flood zone then it is okay to monitor it and block off anyway for it to overflow into non monitored zones. 

When it comes to Typhoons, making sure windows are protected and lighter objects are secured are a priority. The issues start to occur when glass breaks and objects start flying because of the strong winds. Objects flying at these high speeds will hit people, break windows, and cause all sorts of property damage.  It is important to stay inside during times like these because one hit to the head can change your life. Crops can also be uplifted due to these strong winds so it is quite vital to monitor farms while this is going on. 

I would target the lower lying spots in Singapore. This means the places that are closest to sea level. The Singapore river which extends fro the ocean to the country floods often when it rains hard. This area would be the most important to target because this is where the flooding occurs most. It is also has very limited drain off. The western side of Singapore is at the most risk. Places such as Hong Kah or the Commonwealth because of its location. 

If I were to construct my house near Bukit Timah hill. It is the highest point in Singapore and a nature reserve. So this would probably not be realistic or I would have to become a park ranger. This is all hypothetical. Although it is only 538 meters above sea level, this height advantage would keep me away from flooding. However, I would have to make sure I am not in a point where I am vulnerable to mudslides or landslides. So if I can balance that out then I would be in a safe location that doesn't have any risk of being affected by flooding. However, typhoons might put me at risk so the proper measures of construction will have to be made so that I do not have a tree fall on my house. Overall Singapore has been quite blessed to have these disasters have such limited affect. Other countries usually experience one signifiant and powerful disaster such as earthquakes or tsunamis but Singapore is located at such convenient location that they do not experience these unwanted powers.

links:

https://www.99.co/singapore/insider/the-most-flood-prone-housing-estates-in-singapore-according-to-pub/

https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_730_2005-01-25.html#:~:text=Bukit%20Timah%20Hill%20is%20the,reserve%20–%20Bukit%20Timah%20Nature%20Reserve.

https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_780_2004-12-30.html