Over 100 trees flattened in weekend storm

More than 100 trees fell or were uprooted islandwide over the weekend, following a heavy downpour.

In a statement yesterday, the National Parks Board (NParks) said that 13 trees near the tracks at Changi Beach Park were uprooted on Sunday.

Upon further inspection, NParks discovered about 100 fallen trees deeper in the wooded areas of the park. "Our initial assessment is that exceptionally strong, localised winds resulted in the fallen trees," said an NParks spokesman.

"Heavy rains over the weekend had also saturated and softened the soil in the area."

Ten trees also managed by NParks were affected by strong winds at seven other locations over the weekend.

The trees were in areas such as Ang Mo Kio, Holland and Woodlands.

There were no reports of injuries, and all trees causing obstruction have been removed.

NParks said that its officers were conducting additional inspections of its trees, in line with its usual practice after intense storms.

In response to my paper's queries, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said that two trees were uprooted at an outdoor carpark near the Changi Point Ferry Terminal on Sunday, due to strong winds during a heavy downpour.

A URA spokesman said its contractor cleared the trees on Sunday, and would check on the stability of other trees at the carpark.

NParks advised members of the public to stay alert and keep themselves updated on the latest weather reports by tuning in to radio broadcasts, for their own safety.

"The public is reminded not to visit parks and nature reserves during and just after an intense storm," said the NParks spokesman.

myp@sph.com.sg

Aftermath of the weekend downpour Click on thumbnail to view (Photos: AsiaOne reader rachel_2390)