SHAH ALAM – The torrential rain last week that triggered severe floods in the state caught the Selangor government by surprise, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Speaking at a press conference today, he said even though all levels of the administration prepared for the monsoon season, they did not expect an entire month’s worth of rain to fall in a single day.
“We prepared for it in November, involving all departments, and each district disaster committees were chaired by their respective district officers. This is a normal process and an ordinary exercise by our officers last month,” said the Sg Tua assemblyman.
“In the statement that we issued in November, we expected around 200mm to 300mm of rain for one month. What happened on December 16 and 17, we got 300mm to 400 mm of rain in 24 hours.
“When it was reported (to me), I instructed all of them to get ready to do a month’s work in one day.
“On December 18, at 2pm, I called our coordination units to mobilise all our assets and machinery from the various agencies – local authorities, Public Works Department, Department of Irrigation and Drainage, et cetera to evacuate the public, seeing that there was an extraordinary amount of water.”
By 8pm, Amirudin said he realised the situation was beyond them, leading him to make a phone call to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob requesting military and federal assets and aid.
He was told that such assistance falls under the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
He said he then reached out to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein at 8.45pm, seeking military intervention after a discussion with the state executive committee.
“We could not communicate through a phone call (because of poor signal). Then he sent me a WhatsApp message saying that he is giving his commitment and will issue instructions for the army to go to ground,” he said.
The next day, Amirudin met with the prime minister at Sekolah Agama Johan Setia for a meeting to coordinate rescue and relief efforts.
On the Taman Sri Muda floodgates that were kept locked, Amirudin said this is because of possible backflow of seawater, especially during heavy rain and rising water levels.
He added that if this were to happen, it would create more damage.
“At the same time, there was a massive high tide, with a height of 4.5m to 5.5m.”
Taman Sri Muda in Shah Alam and the surrounding areas in Klang are among the worst-hit locations in Selangor.
There are residents still stuck in their homes without electricity, clean water, and food – unable to leave as the floodwaters have yet to recede completely.
Many have been posting calls for help on social media since Saturday. – The Vibes, December 21, 2021
