KUALA LUMPUR – The flash floods that wreaked havoc in parts of the Klang Valley this evening were caused by “extraordinary rainfall” within a short period of time, said Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
During a late-night press conference, he said the downpour began at about 2.30pm today, leading to 106mm to 155mm of rainfall within a mere two hours.
On average, the country sees about 200mm of rainfall every month. This means that the rainfall today is equivalent to regular rainwater levels recorded in the span of two weeks.
“The flood was caused by extraordinary rain in the span of two hours, overwhelming existing irrigation systems beyond their capacity of high water flow.”
He said the water level recorded along Sg Gombak near Jalan Tun Razak was at dangerous levels at 31.99m, whereas the water level near the same river in Jalan Parlimen and the Klang River near the Tun Perak bridge was at 30.38m and 30.12m, respectively.
He added that the floods had caused a car park area in Besaraya to be submerged in 0.6m of water.
The minister said 103 homes were affected in Kaping Periuk and Kg Pasir Baru.
“Currently, rainwaters are unpredictable as usual. The monsoon season takes place at the end of the year, but now we see rainfall during the third month, which is usually dry.
“This is a direct effect of climate change, and we need to provide our fullest attention to find long-term solutions in order to minimise the impact of floods.”
He said the government had approved RM15 billion for its short-term mitigation plan.
“We will be looking into mechanisms to ease water flows. For example, tunnel building – the Smart Tunnel has been one of the methods that have been most effective, but when things get too intense, it can be risky too.
“But our plans include heightening barriers around rivers and early warnings to the people. MetMalaysia’s predictions will also be improved so that the people can be warned early.”
Planning for the next 50 years, Tuan Ibrahim said the ministry had requested a total allocation of RM393 billion from the government. – The Vibes, March 7, 2022
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