‘DEBRIS, SILTATION CAUSED HULU LANGAT FLOODS’

Dept to clear blockage at Sungai Langat and tributaries

FAISAL ASYRAF KUALA LUMPUR news@nst.com.my

HEAVY siltation and debris are blamed for the flash floods that struck Hulu Langat. A resident, who identified himself as Hadri, 32, said the debris had slowed the water flow in the river, causing the flood in the area on Saturday.

“The water couldn’t move further as there were a lot of silt and debris.

“The river needs to be widened to prevent such a recurrence,” he said.

A Drainage and Irrigation Department spokesman said work would be carried out to the clear the debris in Sungai Langat and tributaries.

“That will be the short-term solution,” he said, adding that bunds would also be built in certain areas where the riverbanks were badly damaged.

The spokesman said flood-mitigation projects would be carried out in the upper reaches of Sungai Langat under the 11th Malaysia Plan.

“A flood-mitigation system is being built at Sungai Serai, and it is expected to be completed by September,” he added. Flood victims having a meal outside their home in Hulu Langat yesterday. (Inset) People checking the soil erosion along Sungai Michu yesterday.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Mohd Sani Harul said the flood receded the same day, but several families stayed at evacuation centres while family members cleaned up homes.

As of yesterday, 87 families were placed in Kampung Bestari Sungai Michu (three families), SK Sungai Serai (37), Dewan Orang Ramai Taman Seri Nanding (25), and Kompleks Penghulu Batu 10 (22).

Hulu Langat was hit by the twohour downpour, that began at 2pm. About 200 villagers from 17 villages were affected by the flood.