Third flash flood in 9 days hits Yishun; shops in popular mall temporarily closed due to rainwater
Torrential rain on April 21 led to significant ponding inside Northpoint City in Yishun, forcing several shops to close temporarily and marking the area’s third flash flood event in just nine days.
Mall Disruption as Water Pours In
Photos shared with Mothership showed water seeping into the first and second floors of Northpoint City mall. Staff quickly deployed mops and floor mats in an effort to contain the spread, while barriers were placed around several affected stores. Mats were also arranged at escalators to stop water from flowing between floors. Some shops had to shut their doors as a precaution.
Flash Flood Warning at Yishun Ave 7
Around 3:18 PM, national water agency PUB issued a flash flood alert for Yishun Avenue 7, located just a short distance from the mall. The flooding, attributed to intense rainfall overwhelming roadside drains, subsided by 3:55 PM. PUB officers were deployed on-site to manage the situation and direct traffic away from waterlogged roads.
This was the third flash flood reported in Yishun in just nine days. Similar flooding incidents were recorded on April 13 and April 15 at the same Yishun Avenue 7 area, particularly near the intersection with Yishun Street 22. PUB has now designated this stretch a flood hotspot and announced plans to enhance drainage infrastructure in the area.
According to PUB, the heaviest rainfall on April 21 measured 102.8mm over just two hours in northern Singapore—equivalent to 42% of the country’s average monthly April rainfall. This falls within the top 3% of daily maximum rainfall since 1978. The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) forecasts continued short-duration thunderstorms throughout the remainder of April.
Flash Floods Sweep Bukit Timah Too
Yishun was not the only area hit hard. On April 20, flash floods also occurred in Bukit Timah, submerging roads and affecting traffic. In one viral video captured at Queen’s Road, five residents were seen pushing a black car stuck in rising waters. Despite heavy rain and knee-deep floods, the group worked together to move the car to higher ground. Social media users praised their community spirit and quick action amid the chaos.
Unstable Weather Grips the Island
Despite persistent rain in April, temperatures have remained high, with nine days exceeding 34°C. The month’s highest so far, 36.2°C, was recorded in Paya Lebar on April 12. Singapore’s all-time high remains 37°C, recorded in Ang Mo Kio (May 2023) and Tengah (1983). MSS reported significantly above-average rainfall in areas like Yio Chu Kang, which saw 217% more than usual.
Calls for Climate Resilience and Fast Action
With urban flooding becoming more frequent, experts and the public are calling for swifter infrastructure upgrades and more real-time information dissemination. PUB’s ongoing monitoring and investment in flood-prone zones like Yishun aim to reduce future incidents—but the recent cluster of flash floods serves as a wake-up call for urgent climate adaptation.
As climate unpredictability intensifies in Southeast Asia, Singapore faces mounting pressure to adapt urban infrastructure to withstand severe weather. The repeated flash floods in Yishun and Bukit Timah underscore the importance of resilience, planning, and public awareness in tackling extreme rainfall events.
Sources: Mothership (2025), The Straits Times (2025), Mothership (2025)
Keywords: Yishun Flood, Northpoint Mall, Flash Flood Singapore, PUB Warning, April Rainfall
