Cars and flooding

With our ever changing weather patterns it looks like flooding in big Asian cities are here to stay. It started in Thailand last year with the massive flood that destroyed thousands of cars. Philippines recently got hit by 2 typhoons and 1 huge tropical storm resulting in mass flooding covering 50% of Metro Manila. Highways and main roads were damaged or swept away by flood waters.

Advanced cities such as Singapore was also not spared in 2010 when a huge flash flood hit the city and Singaporeans experienced their first serious flood problem. Numerous luxury cars and supercars were damaged by the flood as flood waters seeped into basement parking lots.

We all know that cars and water don't mix. Do we start buying small inflatable rafts to keep at home? or buy ramps to elevate our cars? It is little wonder why the sales of SUVs and pick up trucks have risen in the last 10 years. People in Thailand love their SUVs and pick up trucks, like wise in Philippines and Indonesia. Bad road conditions coupled with frequent flooding has pushed people to buy these cars. Running cost of SUVs and pick up trucks are higher than that of normal passenger cars but the added convenience and sense of safety have offset the additional running cost.

With the rising popularity of SUVs and pick up trucks, a whole flurry of accessories have also hit the market. The infamous snorkel is now very popular as it will allow the SUV or pick up truck to drive in deep waters in flood situations or drive through river crossings. It really looks like a practical choice to have a SUV or pick up truck at home as a back up vehicle.