By Aida Aziz
IPOH: Heavy rainfall and farming activities carried out by residents have been identified as the main causes of the flash floods that struck Sungai Rokam, Ampang Baru and Pekan Razaki on Monday.
Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing said the authorities have outlined several follow-up measures, including taking action against encroachments and activities affecting river reserves.
He said the measures also include upgrading drainage and sewerage systems in the affected areas, as well as reviewing the construction or enhancement of floodgates to better regulate water flow when river levels rise.
“Checks carried out with the relevant agencies found that the main cause was exceptionally heavy rainfall recorded in the Ungku Omar Polytechnic area, with 115mm of rain falling within a short period.
“This caused river levels to rise rapidly, triggering a backflow phenomenon where water from the drains could not flow into the river.
“Instead, it was pushed back and trapped in nearby residential areas and villages,” he said today.
Tan said farming activities in Pekan Razaki were also found to have contributed to the flooding.
He said embankments along the river had been lowered due to agricultural activities, allowing swollen river water to enter nearby residential areas and increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rain.
“At the same time, we are grateful that the pump house in Maju Rapat, which was recently completed, functioned well during the heavy downpour.
“So far, no reports of flash floods have been received from the area. This proves that well-planned infrastructure solutions are capable of protecting flood-prone areas,” he added.
