Flash flood concerns in SS14

Azusaini (right) discussing the flash flood issue with resident Ahmad Nazli, while checking the depth of the sump. — Photo: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star

SEVERAL residents are worried about flash floods that occur following intense rain at the intersection of Jalan SS14 and Jalan SS14/7F in SS14, Subang Jaya, which they attribute to an inefficient drainage network.

Over a span of three decades, they have observed a sump at the intersection of Jalan SS14 and Jalan SS14/7F, located outside a corner lot house, swelling up after heavy rain.

Residents believe that the sump is unable to cope with the large volume of water from surface runoff along Jalan SS14/7F during downpours.

“The sump has exceeded its maximum capacity in the past but water would only spill onto Jalan SS14/7F and flow into a drain along Jalan SS14/8H, without causing flash floods,” said former businessman Ahmad Nazli Hashim, 72, who lives at the affected corner lot house.

“Jalan SS14/7F and Jalan SS14 became slightly elevated after some road resurfacing works five years ago.

“Due to this, when it rains, there is an overflow of water in the drainage network, which triggers flash floods.”

Ahmad Nazli said as a result of the sump’s inability to handle the excess flow, water would spill and inundate his porch.

“The overwhelmed drainage and flash flood created an unsafe situation for motorists a few weeks ago,” he said, adding that motorists claimed that the flooded intersection was not visible.

Intense rains on May 11 and 12 resulted in flash floods at the intersection of Jalan SS14 and Jalan SS14/7F. — Courtesy photo

“If it had rained for a longer period, the water could have inundated my living room.”

Ahmad Nazli added that it was also difficult to clean up the mud and dirt from his porch after each flooding incident.

SS14 Rukun Tetangga (RT) committee member Azusaini Azis, 59, who has lived in the neighbourhood for 24 years, said the RT had discussed the flash flood issue.

“An engineering expert in our RT said it was best that Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) build a 25m-long concrete scupper drain across Jalan SS14, just before the Jalan SS14 and Jalan SS14/7F intersection, to channel surface runoff into the sump,” he said.

Azusaini said the scupper drain was a cost-effective solution and could be carried out with immediate effect and completed within a short span of time.

Meanwhile, MBSJ Corporate Communications Department deputy director Azfarizal Abdul Rashid said the city council engineers had visited the site and would find a solution to address the flash floods.