By: Sharika Tasnim
Edited by : Farah Liyana
Flash flood in Shah Alam, near Kuala Lumpur, on Oct 3. | Credit: EPA-EFE
Kuala Lumpur, 16th Oct, 2024 — Heavy rain early on October 15 caused severe flash floods across Malaysia's capital and surrounding areas, leading to major disruptions, including a temporary suspension of a Parliament session and a landslide in the Taman Melawati suburb.
The deluge severely impacted parts of the city, including Universiti Malaya, one of Malaysia's most prestigious public universities. Video footage shared on social media showed fast-moving water flooding campus roads. In Gombak, Selangor, a nearby kindergarten was also submerged, with alarming images of children standing on tables as floodwaters rose.
The Klang Valley, which encompasses Kuala Lumpur, has experienced unusually heavy rainfall over the past few weeks, weeks ahead of the traditional monsoon season that typically spans over November to January. On October 15, readings from Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) weather station in the city center showed rainfall levels exceeding 114mm in just one hour, far surpassing the usual average of 60mm per hour.
The torrential downpour caused severe traffic disruptions, particularly on major roads leading into the city, including Jalan Perak, Jalan Travers near Bangsar, and the Sultan Iskandar Highway.
In Taman Melawati, a suburb on the northeastern outskirts of the city, a landslide was reported, affecting 20 terraced houses. Assistant Commissioner Mohd Azam Ismail, chief of the Ampang Jaya police district, confirmed that no casualties had been reported, although a parked car and a guardhouse were damaged. Residents affected by the landslide were evacuated to a multipurpose hall in the area as authorities including the fire department and municipal officers worked to secure the site.
Local residents expressed concern over the situation, with Shamsher Singh Gill, a media consultant, noting that police feared another landslide due to ongoing rainfall. “There is still water flowing at the hilltop, so they’re worried another landslide may occur,” said Mr. Gill.
Areas across Kuala Lumpur were not spared. Roads near Universiti Malaya, particularly near the law faculty at Lingkungan Budi, were inundated, with water reaching waist height. Brickfields, including SK St Theresa Brickfields 1 near the Klang River, was also affected. In Section 6, Wangsa Maju, floodwaters from nearby Bukit Dinding overflowed, affecting homes. Local authorities, including Kuala Lumpur City Hall, were mobilized to clear debris and uprooted trees caused by the flooding. — TBC
Heavy rain early on October 15 caused severe flash flooding across Malaysia's capital and surrounding areas.| Credit: Bernama
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