IPOH: Flash floods in Manjoi and several areas here since last Friday were caused by intense rainfall rather than overflow from Sungai Perak, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
He added that the river level remained low, but persistent afternoon downpours overwhelmed drainage systems, triggering sudden floods in multiple locations.
“On the first night alone, 15 houses were reported affected.
“The situation continued over the following days, with water rising each evening,” he said after visiting the Ramadan bazaar near Stadium Perak here yesterday.
When asked if the heavy rainfall was linked to cloud seeding operations, Saarani said the state government had requested cloud seeding to address critically low water levels at major reservoirs, including Tasik Temenggor and the Bukit Merah dam.
“However, this is not something that can be fully controlled, and the operation was carried out in response to public appeals,” he said.
Saarani explained that the move was necessary due to low water levels at Temenggor Lake, Banding Lake and Cenderoh Lake.
He said that without cloud seeding, prolonged dry weather would have threatened the sustainability of electricity generation.
“When reservoir levels are low, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is unable to release sufficient water downstream.
He added that cloud seeding was therefore crucial to ensure enough rainfall at Temenggor for TNB to sustain power generation.
“At the same time, irrigation needs in the northern region must also be met. Bukit Merah Lake, which had dried up, needs to be refilled,” he added.
