Authorities are advising people to stay away from hiking trails, streams, and large trees due to unstable ground following recent heavy rain. The city experienced its second-longest black rainstorm warning, which lasted over 11 hours. Experts have noted that the soil instability is hard to predict and that landslides can happen very suddenly.

This situation comes after a period where the highest-level rain alert was issued four times in just eight days, which is unusual for a single year. On one day, the weather observatory recorded 358.8 millimeters (14.1 inches) of rain, the most ever for August since records began in 1884. This extreme rainfall caused significant damage throughout the city. As a result of a severe landslide, one lane of Bride’s Pool Road was closed for nearly two days but has since been reopened. Additionally, some areas in Plover Cove Country Park and Pat Sin Leng Country Park were temporarily shut down.

Original article (landslides)

Actionable Information: The article provides actionable advice by advising people to stay away from hiking trails, streams, and large trees due to unstable ground. This is a direct safety instruction.

Educational Depth: The article offers some educational depth by explaining that soil instability is hard to predict and landslides can happen suddenly. It also provides context on the unusual frequency and intensity of recent rainfall, including a record-breaking amount for August. However, it does not delve into the scientific reasons behind soil instability or the meteorological factors contributing to such extreme rainfall events.

Personal Relevance: The information is personally relevant as it directly impacts safety, particularly for those who might frequent outdoor areas like hiking trails or live in areas prone to landslides. The mention of road closures and park shutdowns also highlights the real-world consequences of such weather events.

Public Service Function: The article serves a public service function by relaying official advice from authorities regarding safety precautions. It informs the public about potential hazards and the reasons behind them, which is crucial for public safety during and after extreme weather.

Practicality of Advice: The advice to stay away from certain areas is practical and easy for most people to follow, assuming they are aware of the advisory.

Long-Term Impact: While the immediate impact is safety during a specific weather event, the article touches upon a broader issue of increasingly extreme weather patterns. Understanding the potential for such events could encourage long-term preparedness and awareness, though the article itself doesn't offer long-term planning advice.

Emotional or Psychological Impact: The article might evoke a sense of caution or concern due to the description of extreme weather and its consequences. However, by providing clear safety advice, it also offers a sense of guidance and preparedness, potentially mitigating feelings of helplessness.

Clickbait or Ad-Driven Words: The language used is factual and informative, without resorting to dramatic or sensationalized terms to attract clicks.

Missed Chances to Teach or Guide: The article could have provided more depth by explaining how to identify unstable ground or what signs to look for. It also missed an opportunity to direct readers to official meteorological or emergency management websites for ongoing updates and more detailed safety information. A normal person could find better information by searching for their local emergency management agency or meteorological service online.

The text uses strong words to describe the rain and its effects. Phrases like "extreme rainfall" and "significant damage" create a sense of alarm. This helps to emphasize the severity of the situation and the need for caution. It makes the event seem very important.

The text uses passive voice to describe the road closure. "one lane of Bride’s Pool Road was closed for nearly two days" does not say who closed it. This hides who is responsible for the action. It makes it seem like the road just closed by itself.

The text presents a fact about rainfall amounts without much context about normal rainfall. "the weather observatory recorded 358.8 millimeters (14.1 inches) of rain, the most ever for August since records began in 1884." This fact is used to show how unusual the rain was. It makes the event seem extraordinary.

The text conveys a strong sense of concern and caution due to the dangerous weather conditions. This is evident in the authorities' advice to stay away from hiking trails, streams, and large trees because of unstable ground. The mention of a "black rainstorm warning" and experts noting that "landslides can happen very suddenly" amplifies this feeling of unease. The purpose of this concern is to ensure public safety by warning people about potential dangers. This emotional tone guides the reader's reaction by creating a sense of worry, prompting them to take the warnings seriously and avoid hazardous areas.

The writer uses words like "heavy rain," "unstable ground," and "suddenly" to emphasize the severity of the situation. The repetition of the idea of danger, by mentioning unstable ground and sudden landslides, reinforces the message of caution. The text also highlights the unusual nature of the rainfall, stating that the highest-level rain alert was issued "four times in just eight days" and that the recorded rainfall was "the most ever for August since records began in 1884." This use of extreme descriptions, like "most ever," aims to make the situation sound more serious and impactful, thereby increasing the emotional weight of the message. This exaggeration serves to grab the reader's attention and underscore the unprecedented nature of the event, making the need for caution even more compelling. The overall effect is to persuade the reader to understand the gravity of the situation and to act accordingly by staying safe.