Tenom Pangi hydro power plant temporary shutdown should serve as lesson in future disasters, says expert

KOTA KINABALU: The recent shutdown of the Tenom Pangi hydro power plant is proof that debris flow during natural disasters must be taken into account to avoid major losses and damage risks from future disasters, a Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) expert urged on Wednesday (Nov 2).

On Tuesday (Nov 1), the power plant at the interiors was temporarily shut down for safety reasons and for repairs due to landslides along the road leading to the station, as well as water flowing and large rocks falling onto the station intake gate.

Fire and Rescue Department personnel also received report of six people trapped inside a powerhouse about 5km from the main intake gate, whom were eventually rescued.

The incident was part of the natural disaster occurring in several parts in Sabah following intermittent downpour which caused some landslides and floods.

UMS engineering faculty senior lecturer Dr Noor Sheena Herayani Harith who is also main research fellow for the university’s Natural Disaster Research Centre (NDRC), said a debris flow model is even more vital for large constructions like bridges and dams.

"Based on the model analysis, they could preliminary consider the speed estimation and flow direction of the debris and thus reduce risks and damages due to natural disasters,” she said in a statement.

Dr Noor Sheena explained that since the Tenom Pangi structure was meant for energy generation and not as a dam to store water, the debris flow which consisted of rocks and drifted woods accumulated there has damaged the plant when it could not support the unexpected load.

The debris also overflowed and flooded the surrounding areas, causing damages to some houses and vehicles.

"Debris flow is among the geological dangers that can be fatal besides bringing property destruction.

"The same thing can be seen post-2015 Ranau earthquake which was followed by landslides, and worsen when downpours occurred. Debris flows through Mesilou (river) there and we saw the bridge collapsed and carried away by currents.

"That is why it is time for debris flow be taken seriously and have the flow model analysed to prevent future risks," she stressed.