Flood havoc in Ipoh
Six hours of rainfall floods hundreds of homes
An unusual six hours of downpour left hundreds of houses near Sungai Pari flooded.
IPOH: An unusual six hours of downpour flooded hundreds of houses by the riverbank of Sungai Pari in Kampung Gugusan Manjoi, Buntong and Lim Garden here.
Residents said the water reached waist level at the height of the floods which started at about 4am yesterday.
The state government reacted quickly to set up an emergency task force to help the flood victims.
The state National Security Council would head the task force, assisted by the Ipoh City Council and several other agencies, said Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
“They will help relocate the victims to relief centres set up at the respective constituencies,” Dr Zambry said after visiting Kampung Gugusan Manjoi here yesterday.
He noted that about 120 people had been relocated to four temporary relief centres in the village.
“About 30 families in Buntong were moved to the Kinta Indian Association hall,” he added.
Dr Zambry said the flood was caused by the long and heavy rainfall.
“Several rivers within the city area have also overflowed, causing the floodwaters to spill over to nearby homes,” Dr Zambry said, advising the people to remain cautious of more bad weather.
He added that the Drainage and Irrigation Department had been instructed to take action to alleviate the flooding problem.
Residents claimed several water pumps near the river were broken but not fixed.
“This is not the time to blame anyone but to work together in helping the victims,” Dr Zambry urged.
Ipoh Baratmpm. Kulasegaran said two schools in Buntong were affected by the floods.
“The teachers at both schools said the chairs, tables and other furniture had been damaged and it could take several days for things to return to normal,” he said.
He also pointed out the need for Sungai Pari to be deepened after facing years of severe silting.