Major flood mitigation projects in Kuala Lumpur have prevented flash floods from hitting the capital, unlike what happened in adjourning Selangor, according to the Environment and Water Ministry.
In a statement today, the ministry gave credit to the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel Sdn Bhd (Smart Tunnel) and several river diversion and retention pond projects built along Sungai Keroh, Sungai Gombak as well as Sungai Bunus.
Constructed in 2007, the 9.7km Smart Tunnel serves as storm drainage and road structure. The tunnel, the longest in Malaysia, was built to resolve flash floods in Kuala Lumpur.
“The mitigation project in Kuala Lumpur had successfully contained major floods following heavy rainfall on Sept 26, Oct 20 and 23.
“In comparison, flash floods occurred in many areas in Selangor at the same period,” said the ministry.
“The concepts or approaches adopted by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) is ‘control at source’, where floodwater will be diverted and stagnated in flood reservoir ponds and re-released after the water level at the main river dropped,” said the ministry.
Citing the heavy rain on Oct 23, the ministry said the sub-basin of Sungai Bunus and other components had successfully prevented flooding on Jalan Tun Razak, in front of the National Heart Institute, National Library, Jalan Gurney, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra and Kampung Baru.
Prior to the completion of the flood mitigation project, the ministry said flash floods would normally occur in Kuala Lumpur following heavy downpours exceeding 60 mm/hour.
“Congratulations to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage for its contribution to ensuring the city is safe from the major flood,” added the ministry.
The DID had recently warned residents at the low-lying areas, flood hotspots and those living near rivers to remain vigilant and to prepare for the inter-monsoon period until early November.
On Oct 19, more than 200 victims were evacuated after nine areas were hit by flash floods. Similar incidents also occurred in other states, including Kedah, Johor and Sabah.
Selangor Mentri Besar Amirudin Shari reportedly said three weeks ago that the 100-Year Flood Mitigation Project in Selangor is expected to be completed within a year, but some of the ongoing works had been affected by the movement control order.
He said the current drainage and irrigation system was for 50 years but could no longer accommodate large amounts of rainwater in some areas of the state due to rapid development. - Mkini
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