Daily Lessons from Life 07 May 2012 - About 100 trees fall in Changi Beach Park after storm

"About 100 trees fall in Changi Beach Park after storm - CNA 07 May 2012

SINGAPORE: About 100 fallen trees were found in the wooded areas of Changi Beach Park due to stormy weather over the weekend.

National Parks Board (NParks) said this on Monday after intense rain and strong wind uprooted many trees.

It added it is conducting additional inspection of trees.

NParks said 13 trees near the tracks at Changi Beach Park were uprooted but after inspecting deeper in the wooded areas, it found about 100 more fallen trees.

NParks said heavy rain over the weekend softened the soil in the area.

About 10 trees were affected by strong wind in other parts of Singapore.

No reports of injuries were received, and all the trees causing obstruction have been cleared.

NParks is conducting additional inspection of its trees.

It has advised the public not to visit parks and nature reserves during and just after a storm."

I guessed this is what happened when you have instant trees! Instant trees are quick popular in many Asia countries who are trying to 'green' their urban cities with some transplanted nature!

Lessons for me are:

1. first and foremost I am SIMPLY thrilled that NO human being was hurt or killed!! That is the most important thing in this natural 'disaster'!;

2. with these many trees being uprooted during stormy and windy weather, a recurring phenomenon this 1-2 months, the NParks folks have to REALLY put all personnel all hands on deck to ensure other trees in other popular parks around the nation are SAFELY anchored. Good that it DID advised people to STAY AWAY from parks during these period!;

3. with so many transplanted trees, there will be a need to provide OTHER SUPPORTs to ensure the strong wind will NOT blow them over as simply digging a hole and planting the trees are not secured enough. Anchored wires are needed. Or any other security fastening methods and tools the NParks, being the professional, can muster!

We love our green but must be with safety in mind.