A netizen recently took to social media to ask what would happen if a zombie apocalypse broke out in Singapore.
Here is what he said
What would happen in the event of a Zombie Apocalypse in Singapore?
Recently I watched “World War Z” and “Kingdom” and was wondering what would happen to Singapore since
- We’re a pretty densely populated country
- Numerous inbound/outbound flights
- Shipping hub
- Military is spread across the island rather than being concentrated (first people to activate are the regulars and NSFs)
We’ve seen how covid has played out, what if the Zombie virus was similar to covid where it spreads through the respiratory droplets of infected people, we would have instantly had numerous people getting infected from the very first day.
Netizens’ comments
- Oh yes, I have been waiting for this all my life. All the years of playing Left 4 Dead, Days Gone, Last of Us, Resident Evil will finally come in handy.
- Yeap, this guy will be the first to die.
- Step 1) Raid Sheng Shiong / Prime / Fairprice nearby to get as much maggie mee packs as possible
Step 2) Close door, stay inside HDB, eat maggie mee
Step 3) Sleep
Step 4) Pray that Zombie Circuit breaker to be extended so that you still don’t need to go back to work and continue your vacation
Step 5) Die of starvation after all maggie mee are gone - I would still continue to work because my boss expects me to.
- Parents: He became a zombie, you are also a zombie. Why is he stronger than you?
- MMZTF will be set up: Multi Ministry Zombie Task Force
- I for one would buy a lot of rice and canned food since it’s easy to keep dry and cool for very long periods of time, charcoal or solid fuel in case electricity or gas runs out and numerous gallons of water (can just connect my tap water with a hose and put them into pails (sorry mozzie wipeout)
- Worst case scenario, it could be very bad for us.
1) no warning from other countries
2) infected go active in the middle of the da
3) no survivors near ground zero to warn government
we could suffer huge casualties if it reach CBD area before our military/STAR can scramble and government can warn people to stay off the streets. - It probably plays out like most movies at first. Since nobody believes zombies exist, the first batch of zombies will be considered to be drugged/drunk people. So you will have police trying to taser zombies to no effect before being bitten (because they are not allowed to use guns on what appears to be unarmed civilians) and then all the victims will eventually turn into zombies because the hospitals have no idea what is going on, then hospitals will get mass infected.
The difference is that unlike those movies set in NA/Europe, the population is so densely concentrated that it will spread like wildfire. HDBs will turn into death traps with zombies roaming the corridors and void deck. Virtually nobody will have access to land where they can grow their own food, and the supermarkets will be overrun with zombies so starvation will set in quick. Nobody will have guns or any real self defence weaponry either.
The government obviously wont do a mobilisation till its clear the police cant handle it, which will probably be too late since they dont realise its zombies. At which point, its going to be kind of hard to get to your assigned camp (especially since we dont practice the Prussian mobilisation style where you are assigned to the nearest camp). Some camps might hold out but running out of ammo and supplies is inevitable since nobody would be coming to help us. Most of the country will be dead for sure, save the rich people and lucky few who can get a seat on a plane or ship.
But what if it really happens?
Disclaimer: These are purely theoretical conjectures based on fictitious storylines from movies, games and tv shows, please do not take these seriously.
In the realm of apocalyptic scenarios, a zombie outbreak is often the stuff of nightmares. While such a scenario remains purely fictional, the concept of a zombie apocalypse has captured the imagination of countless individuals, thanks to its portrayal in movies, television shows, and literature.
While the likelihood of such an event occurring is probably almost none (unless the fungus in Cordyceps mutates, which could theoretically result in a zombie-like virus), the thought experiment of Singapore facing a zombie outbreak provides a unique opportunity to examine how a highly urbanized and disciplined city-state might cope.
Challenges
The Urban Landscape:
Singapore’s tightly packed urban environment poses both advantages and challenges. The organized city layout and efficient transportation system could facilitate swift movement of resources and personnel. However, the concentration of people within confined spaces could quickly exacerbate the spread of the outbreak. Survivors must quickly adapt to this environment by identifying safe zones, securing buildings, and developing communication networks, before the population of the undead zombies multiply beyond salvation.
Resource Management:
In a zombie-infested world, resources such as food, water, and medical supplies would become scarce. Singapore’s limited landmass and reliance on imports heighten the vulnerability to disruptions in supply chains. Survivors must ration and prioritize essential supplies, explore alternative sources (urban farming, rainwater harvesting), and develop a barter system to ensure the equitable distribution of resources.
Crowd Control and Defense:
The undead horde would pose a significant threat, particularly in crowded areas like Orchard Road and Marina Bay. Effective crowd control, barricading techniques, and strategic use of existing infrastructure (bridges, tunnels) would be crucial for minimizing exposure to zombies and create fortified safe zones.
Survival Strategies in a Zombie Apocalypse
Swift Identification and Quarantine Protocols
In the event of an outbreak, Singapore’s healthcare infrastructure would play a pivotal role in identifying infected individuals and isolating them promptly. Screening measures at entry points, coupled with rapid testing and contact tracing, would help contain the spread. Isolation and quarantine protocols would be rigorously enforced to prevent the virus from infiltrating the broader population.
Collaborative Response from Government Agencies
Singapore’s well-coordinated government agencies would work in unison to address the crisis. The military, police, and civil defense forces would collaborate to secure infected areas, enforce quarantine, and provide essential services. This unified approach would ensure efficient allocation of resources and minimize panic.
Rationing Resources and Ensuring Sustenance
To sustain the population during the zombie outbreak, with external food imports likely to be halted, Singapore would probably implement rationing and resource management strategies. Essential supplies, including food, water, and medical provisions, would be carefully distributed to prevent shortages. Localized agriculture initiatives and alternative food sources would be explored to reduce dependency on external imports, which would probably be diminished to almost zero (how to import food and supplies when the workers already turn into flesh-eating zombies).
Communication and Coordination Among Safe Zones
Communication networks would be established to facilitate real-time coordination between safe zones. Digital platforms, emergency broadcasts, and community networks would enable survivors to share information, resources, and updates. Until the communication and electrical grid gets overrun, then we will have to revert back to battery-operated walkie-talkies and mourn the death of phones and the internet. And aircon (lol).
Evacuation and Containment Measures
Strategic evacuation plans would be devised to relocate citizens from high-risk areas to designated safe zones. These zones, fortified with barriers and security systems/personnel, would prevent the entry of infected individuals about to turn into flesh-hungry zombies. Evacuation routes and checkpoints would be manned to ensure safe passage and contain the virus’s spread.
Key Shelter Areas in Singapore
Fort Canning Hill: An Elevated Stronghold
Fort Canning Hill, with its elevated position (see Anakin Skywalker vs Obi Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, ie: “it’s over Anakin, I have the high ground!), could serve as a formidable defense point. Its panoramic views of the city would provide an advantage in spotting approaching threats. However, zombies don’t really get tired from climbing uphill, so it would likely be a challenge if hordes of zombies come staggering up Fort Canning Hill.
Changi Airport: A Fortified Bastion
Changi Airport, known for its secure facilities and advanced infrastructure, could become a central hub for survivor communities. Its vast terminals and runways offer ample space for housing, resource storage, and even agricultural initiatives. Although its many open access points could prove to be disadvantageous in the face of a zombie horde approaching. Not sure? Just take a look at the Dead Air map in the Left 4 Dead PC game.
Sentosa Island: Isolation and Security
Isolated from the mainland, Sentosa Island could be transformed into a fortified sanctuary. Its resorts, beaches, and existing amenities could be repurposed for survivor housing and resource cultivation. And the island can be turned into a fortified and defensible fortress as long as the entry bridge is manned and guarded heavily.
Pulau Ubin: The Rural Haven
Pulau Ubin’s rustic environment and limited access make it an ideal candidate for an agricultural and self-sustaining community. Its rural landscape could accommodate farming efforts, while its seclusion provides a degree of protection from the zombie threat.
Jurong Island: Industrial Resilience
While primarily an industrial area, Jurong Island’s existing infrastructure could be adapted for survivor needs. Factories and facilities could be repurposed for resource collection, manufacturing, and research to support survival efforts.
Changi Prison
Just watch The Walking Dead season 2.
Conclusion
A zombie apocalypse will, in all likelihood, never happen. Go back to work.