Tackle flood woes at the source

While the authorities have initiated flood relief measures to take care of victims, what are we doing to prevent floods?

I’VE been following the announcements by Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) with interest this past week or so.

And I’m starting to think that the spokesperson or the person issuing statements from the department, has a wry sense of humour.

Take the latest statement for instance. I quote verbatim, “Several heavy storms are expected with the north-east monsoon 2023/2024, which is set to begin on Nov 11 and last until March 2024.

“However, if the monsoon has a strong impact, with low pressure weather systems, continuous downpours can be expected in other states in the country.

“The downpour could bring flash floods to low lying areas and areas which floods frequently.”

The last line must be one of the understatements of the year from any government department.

We do not need to be reminded of the frequency of floods nor of “low lying areas and areas which floods frequently”. It is happening all too often, like clockwork.

In fact, I propose we stop using the term “flash floods”. Because there’s nothing flash about our floods, and by this, I mean those in the Klang Valley.

Heavy downpour on Sunday caused chaos and while we can’t predict the weather or how much rainfall to expect with any degree of accuracy, we can certainly predict which parts of the Klang Valley are flood prone.

The list of affected areas includes Dengkil, LDP Puchong (in front of IOI Mall), Cyberjaya (near MMU), Section 7 in Shah Alam, Federal Highway near Shah Alam, Kampung Bangi, Subang Jaya (near SJMC) and Subang Parade.

Monday’s social media was full of videos and photos from all the areas mentioned above. Except for Subang Parade, the flooding in these areas were all too predictable.

So, we’re back to square one.

Water everywhere: Cars and a house partly submerged in floodwaters after a heavy downpour in Kampung Bangi Tambahan on Nov 5. — Bernama

If we take MetMalaysia’s statement as fact, expect more rain and floods for the next four months.

In fact, the agency says, “If the downpour happens simultaneously with a high tide and storm, the effects of the floods could be extreme.”

On the same day as MetMalaysia’s forecast, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) issued a statement to say that it has identified about 6,000 flood hotspots nationwide.

Director Dr Mohammad Fazli Sardi said the APM, together with other agencies, would focus on these areas, especially in providing awareness to the community about flood disasters.

A day earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged residents in flood-prone areas to take precautions and comply with the authorities’ instructions to avoid and reduce the impact of the disaster on their lives and properties.

So basically, we have the government providing awareness and encouraging us to take precautions. That’s all fine and dandy, it’s good that the authorities have initiated preparations to take care of victims, but what are we doing to PREVENT floods?

Now is the time to clear the drains, dredge the rivers, and improve infrastructure in terms of flood retention ponds.

We need proactive, practical solutions to deal with Mother Nature.

The rakyat is fed up with flood relief measures, what they want is flood mitigating measures.

My heart goes out to our fellow Malaysians who live in coastal areas and especially the East Coast states. Heavy rainfall resulting from tropical weather disturbances means that these areas are often the hardest hit when storms arrive.

But recent times have seen terrible flooding in the Klang Valley and although Mother Nature plays a part, much of this can be attributed to man-made byproducts.

Deforestation, improper agricultural practices, inadequate design of drainage channels and structures, inadequate maintenance of drainage facilities, blockage by debris brought by floodwaters and over development.

We are paying the price now because for years local authorities have turned a blind eye to unrestrained urban development.

Here you can point the finger at developers who cut corners. Constructing inadequate drainage networks will cause the flow of run-off into monsoon drains and rivers from rainfall. As a result, peak discharge, volume and frequency of floods will increase.Changes to the run-off channels during urban development can limit their capacity to convey floodwaters. Roads and buildings constructed in flood-prone areas are exposed to increased flood hazards, including inundation and erosion, as new development continues.

And that is why the LDP in Puchong and certain sections of the Federal Highway are flooded during heavy rainfall or car parks and shopping malls are flooded.

Yes, we must mobilise our resources. Get the boats ready, Bomba on standby and prepare our schools as flood evacuation centres.

But, if we do not tackle the problem at the source or address the cause and prevention of floods, then we have learnt nothing.