It was near unimaginable. There has been the occasional flood in Singapore, around some areas such as Bukit Timah and Upper Thomson Road. Those happen from time to time and in a way, was not really news any more.
But in Orchard Road, Singapore's main shopping district? That day was June 16, 2010. To think I was just scrambling out of bed to get to the office for my 1pm shift that day, oblivious to what was probably one of the biggest local news stories of the year. Of course, the flooding was splashed across the front pages of the local newspapers the following day. (See this and this for some dramatic pictures and accounts of what the scene was like that day.)
The Public Utilities Board later said the unexpected flooding was caused by a choked drain.
To make up for it, I visited the scene at Liat Towers about two weeks after, on June 28, to see how shops like Massimo Dutti, Wendy's (which had opened just days before) and Hermes are recovering from the situation.
Massimo Dutti, Liat Towers.
© Lin Zhaowei, 2010.
Wendy's, which just opened days before the massive flooding.
© Lin Zhaowei, 2010.
Hermes puts up a sign on its flagship store.
© Lin Zhaowei, 2010.
Business is closed.
© Lin Zhaowei, 2010.
As you can see, all the basement shops were still boarded up when I went there. I think it'll be some time before they reopen for business.
The store managers have probably developed some form of aquaphobia.
© Lin Zhaowei, 2010.
In fact, there was another heavy downpour early yesterday morning, and there was some minor flooding in Liat Towers again. Good grief.
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