Singapore to spend $598 mln to boost flood defences

SINGAPORE Jan 30 (Reuters) - Singapore will spend about S$750 million ($598 million) over the next five years to boost flood defences, following an increase in the number of flash floods that have hit key areas including the main Orchard Road shopping belt.

The projects include widening and deepening existing canals such that they can hold up to 45 percent more water in times of heavy rain, national water agency PUB said in a statement on Monday.

While Singapore last experienced flooding that required authorities to evacuate people from their homes back in the 1970s, the Southeast Asian city-state has become prone to flash or sudden floods that have damaged basement shops and carparks over the past two years.

Singapore, the Asian headquarters for many banks and multinational firms, is vulnerable to rising sea levels and a further increase in the intensity of tropical downpours.

Last year, roads in parts of the country's financial district were partially submerged and people had to walk in ankle-deep water because the drains could not cope with the heavy downpour. ($1 = 1.2534 Singapore dollars) (Reporting by Kevin Lim; Editing by Anshuman Daga)