Fiery February in SINGAPORE :

This month could turn out to be the driest February

ever recorded in Singapore —

if current conditions continue.

The National Environment Agency (NEA)

said that only 5.3mm of rainfall has been

recorded so far, compared to 18.7mm in

the same period last year.

NEA said February is traditionally one of the

driest month in the year. And this year, the

El Nino effect is making it worst.

National water agency PUB said the dry spell

is also causing record water consumption.

Some 590 Olympic—sized pools of water are

being consumed daily on average, about 7 per

cent more than last February.

PUB is advising households to

practise good water—saving

habits, such as taking shorter showers.

The dry spell has also seen an increase in the

outbreak of grass, lallang and vegetation fires.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force said it has

responded to 92 cases so far this month alone.

It is appealing to the public to help minimise

such fire occurrences.

by CNA/ms