Letter to the editor of Straits Times

Dear editor of Straits Times, I feel that Singaporeans can learn many things from the recent Japanese earthquake and tsunamis. As we have seen on the news, Japan was struck by an extremely deadly earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 . Despite this ordeal, the Japanese lined up orderly to get rations and they were very calm. They were also very bonded together and everything was done orderly. This was different from many other countries, where people squeeze and punch each other to snatch the rations when disaster strikes. The Japanese were also very careful and had a lot of precautions, like a tsunami alert system, and buildings with deep foundations and well designed structures. I feel that if Singapore were to encouter such a similar crisis, we would definitely sffer greater damage as compared to Japan, however, I still believe that Singapore would be able to handle it. Firstly, there are many coconut trees , which are renowned for their ability to stand straight on the beach despite great waves, planted on the coastline. The dense coconut trees would reduce the impact of the tsunami waves. Secondly, the tsunami waves are ten metres high, but most of our HDB flats(most people live in these houses) are at least twenty seven metres high. Before the tsunami strike, we would see the waves, and should be able to climb up to the higher levels quickly. Thirdly, the structure of the HDB flats are build in such a way that they are interlinked, and it would not be easy to topple the interlinked HDB flats that may last up to a few kilometres.(Many Japan buildings stand on their own) Lastly, the HDB flats are monitored by the government and the materials used for building are qualified and corruption is at its least. Also, the buildings have deep foundations. In addition, there is a gap between the first and second floor, under most HDB flats, and the water will move through the huge gap of about three metres. In conclusion, even if the entire Singapore was covered by the huge tsunami waves, her buildings will remain standing, and most of her people will remain safe. Yours sincerely, Chan Chia Ler Hwachong Institution Class 2p4