Melaka bracing for floods, preparations underway

Melaka bracing for floods, preparations underway

Melaka local councils are preparing for flood contingency plans after unusual volume of rainfall hits sub-urban Ayer Keroh, affecting some 270 households and damaging almost 25 cars.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department database showed that Ayer Keroh recorded a rainfall of 46.4mm within a period of two hours on Sunday (Dec 1), which was equivalent to five days of heavy rainfall.

Some housing estates were flooded, which in the past, were not listed as flood-prone areas.

Based on Travel Online website, Malaysia received 301.66mm of rainfall in December last year that tabulates to an average 10.05mm of rain in a day.

Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council president Mohd Rafee Ibrahim said the volume of rainwater was beyond what was expected.

“We are taking all the necessary measures as we anticipate heavy rain to continue," he said when contacted on Monday (Dec 2).

Rafee said they would also increase the frequency of cleaning drains and repairing malfunction pumps at identified areas.

Melaka Communications, Multimedia, Youth and Sports Development Committee chairman Kerk Chee Yee said residents described Sunday's rainfall as "storm-like".

He said areas badly affected were Taman Muzaffar Shah, Jalan Seri Duta, Pangsapuri Murni Ayer Keroh, Kampung Sungai Putat, Taman Seri Jati, Kampung Tun Razak, Taman Bunga Raya, Taman Sutera Wangi, Taman Kerjasama, Taman Bukit Melaka and Bukit Beruang.

Kerk said dozens of cars were also damaged during the flash floods from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

“Some residents contacted me to inform that their houses were flooded after 30 years," he said.

Melaka Chief Minister Adly Zahari, who visited affected residents, commended the relevant agencies for prompt action to clear the aftermath of the flash floods.

~The Star~