WETlands
a publication of Sungei Buloh Nature Park
Vol 7 No 1
Apr 2000

St. Andrew's
Cross Spider

Yellow-bellied Prinia

Life in the Mangroves:
snippets on
plants & animals

Divine Diversity

Shorebird Population Monitoring
(1992-1998)

Inundation
in the Park

Service with a Smile: the Park's frontline staff

Field Ornithology training in Sarawak

Millenium mementos

Butterfly Trail Adoption 		  Inundation
of the Park

The "freak floods" that happened on 22 23 December 1999, in the last lap of the year 1999 before the new millennium trooped in will always be remembered.

On 22nd December, there was a huge overcast and gutsy wind that swept across Sungei Buloh Besar. The sea was at its darkest and most restless.
Over our walkie-talkies, news that the wooden planks at the sluice gates were carted away by the rising tide was received. Rangers and workers immediately sprang into action with the necessary tools to hold down the sluice planks.

It felt great to be a part of the contingency team for such emergency cases. Besides, it was sheer wonder to witness real life drama (not reel-life Hollywood produced for movies) of this natural phenomenon that occurs only once in 60 years.

The tide rose to 3.68m at its highest. Sea water forcibly pushed through the sluice gates like an enraged tempest unleashing its fury. Even the bunds along the trails were not spared. They were battered incessantly by the overpowering sea water, turning the ponds into beautiful landscapes of 'mini waterfalls' which could be viewed from the hides. Wading along the trails without shoes was like undergoing a massage therapy where one puts one's feet into a luxurious spa pool. However, the current was strong and I had to inch my way about. The whole scenario ended within two hours.

The aftermath? The destruction of the Aquatic and Dipping ponds. The freshwater had became brackish. Some non-salt resistant flora withered and died. The erosion at Routes 1 and 2 was most visible. A series of cleaning and repair work was carried out to ensure that the Park was back to normal, exuding its charm to visitors.

Park Ranger, Patricia Phua 		  I was out in the field for a wader census and identification training programme when I first sighted the rising tide that rushed to cover the bunds and into the ponds. Soon the ponds were flushed and flooded, leaving the waders nowhere to roost and feed. And yet the tide kept on rising and raging. The management was immediately informed of the situation and the rangers were deployed to ensure the safety of visitors in the Park.

Park Ranger,
Charles Lim


This happened very quickly. The ponds were soon flooded to the same level as the sea. It only subsided after 1.5 hours. The gravel on the visitor routes were washed off to leave potholes. Debris was strewn over the bunds. Workers were assigned immediately to do a thorough coastal cleaning to get rid of the debris. And major route repairs were on the way. Soon the Park will be back to its normal shape.

Park Ranger,
Sherina Saimoon


On the morning of 23 December 1999, while carrying out my usual duties in the Park, I experienced an uneasy calm around me. My mind was very much perturbed by the sighting of a few monitor lizards, clinging onto tree branches, looking down at their usual sun bathing spots. Ants hurried out from their underground nests, seemingly seeking refuge at higher places. The entrances of mud lobsters mounds which were usually left open were blocked tightly with newly-formed lumps of wet mud. The telltale signs from the residents indicated that something was forthcoming.

But what could it be? The water level inched up as the highest tide approached. It crept higher with each minute and soon, water flowed over at the sluice gates onto the bund. For those who witnessed the scenario, it would he one that is hard to forget. Some planks at the sluice gates washed off and alert staff sprang into action. Battling against the strong current, staff inched their way through knee-high water to monitor the situation and to ensure the safety of visitors. The inundation lasted a few hours and continued for the next few days. The high waters finally subsided on 27 December 1999, leaving behind memories for the many who witnessed and were humbled by the powers of Mother Nature.

Park Ranger, Stephen Chue
   
© Sungei Buloh Nature Park