Several residents in Sepang being rescued from their flooded homes yesterday. — Courtesy photo
RESIDENTS in parts of Kuala Langat and Sepang woke up to floodwaters on Friday as heavy rain and strong winds from Tropical Storm Senyar lashed across southern Selangor in the wee hours.
In Kampung Labu Lanjut, Sepang, various levels of flooding were seen across several housing estates.
Among areas hit were Taman Salak Budi, Taman Salak Kasturi and Desa Rancangan Tanah Belia Labu Lanjut.
Village head Damarulan Hassim said 13 families had gone to the Kampung Labu Lanjut community hall that was set up as an evacuation centre.
“There are more families affected, but they have chosen to check into nearby hotels for more comfort.
“In some areas, floodwater reached up to the waist. In others, it was up to the ankles,” he told StarMetro.
In Kampung Giching, Sepang, roughly one-third of the settlement was inundated, said village head Azlan Abdul Rahman.
He said most of the areas hit were near Sungai Labu, affecting some 100 residents in total.
“Some 20 houses were submerged when the river overflowed as water began rising at about 5am.
“At the Al Makmur Mosque, floodwater reached the steps of the prayer hall,” he said adding that one car was fully submerged.
Similar situations were observed in Kampung Chinchang, where water rose to 1.2m, according to Sepang Municipal councillor Chia Ann Choon.
“About 20 houses were affected, with a few that were closest to Sungai Chinchang being the worst hit.
“In addition to police, Fire and Rescue Department personnel are also on standby at the site.”
He added that relief works were underway.
According to reports, two senior citizens were rescued by authorities from their homes in the morning.
Other areas hit were Pasar Awam Salak, Taman Merpati and Kampung Salak Tengah, where nine victims − including an infant − were evacuated.
In Shah Alam, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were activated to monitor 33 flood hotspots and 13 monsoon drains.
Mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim said Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) was also intensifying monitoring of slopes.
“Our approach revolves around monitoring, maintaining drainage, carrying out emergency operations and ensuring information is communicated to communities effectively,” he said.
Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) president Shahman Jalaludin said they were on standby in case of flooding and fallen trees.
“Our Engineering Department has been tasked with upgrading and maintaining drainage, for which RM12mil was allocated this year.
“We are also working closely with KDEB Waste Management to ensure waste does not contribute to or worsen floods,” he said.
In the capital, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) activated its CCTV system to monitor water levels at rivers, in addition to cleaning drains to remove obstructions, according to its social media posts.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department had warned the public to brace for downpours and strong winds this weekend.
Heavy rain between 200mm and 300mm were also forecast, raising fears of flooding and landslides.
