To reinforce the training and operational readiness of SMRT staff in the prevention of potential station flooding, SMRT Trains conducted a ground deployment exercise on the Circle Line at one-north MRT station on 12 December 2024.

The exercise demonstrated:

1. Close monitoring of the threat of flooding via the national water agency PUB’s high water level alert system
2. Activation of the graduated flood response plan
3. Safe and timely deployment of flood barriers at the station’s entrances

SMRT Trains station staff undergo regular refresher training on responding to flooding situations, while flood preparedness exercises are carried out annually. SMRT also collaborates with the relevant agencies to assess and review flood protection measures, improving resilience in the face of climate change.

According to the 12 December exercise scenario, heavy thundery showers with strong gusty winds approached from the north-eastern part of Singapore, with a probability of impacting one-north MRT station. When waters in the Sungei Pandan Kechil waterway rose above 75% of the river’s capacity, OCC placed on alert the Flood Response Team.

When the water level in Sungei Pandan Kechil waterway rose above 90%, the Flood Response Team was activated to report to one-north station. When the exercise scenario had waters rising above ground-level drains and submerging footpaths around the station, the Flood Response Team deployed stackable flood barriers at designated entrances of the station within 30 minutes.

In an actual flood incident, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) would be informed concurrently at this point. Commuters would also be alerted to the situation via station announcements and on SMRT’s social media platforms.

Mr Lam Sheau Kai, President, SMRT Trains, said, “The safety of our commuters and staff is our top priority. At SMRT Trains, we are committed to maintaining a high level of readiness in our flood response. We conduct regular flood preparedness exercises with key stakeholders, including PUB and LTA, across all our lines. This ensures that we can respond swiftly and effectively when needed, minimising any impact on train services.”

SMRT Trains' flood preparedness exercise exemplifies how we can play our part in being flood ready, in line with PUB's inaugural flood resilience campaign launched on 20 Nov to encourage community resilience against flood.  Observers from PUB attended the exercise, which lasted two hours.