WET AND MISERABLE: More than 200 families in Kapar forced to abandon Hari Raya open house
KUALA LUMPUR: HEAVY rain lasting several hours caused flash floods in major roads in the Klang Valley yesterday.
In Kapar, more than 200 families in Kampung Sungai Pinang Bandar, had to cancel their Hari Raya open house as their homes were flooded.
A downpour on Sunday, combined with two hours of rain yesterday, dampened residents' festive mood.
They were forced to clean up and wash household appliances, which were damaged by the floodwater.
The condition of several houses in the area was unknown as their owners had gone back to their hometowns. A few residents could not be contacted.
According to resident, Kartini @ Hawa Kamarudin, 59, the last time the village was flooded was 18 years ago.
"The downpour caused water to rise quickly and we did not have time to move equipment and home appliances to higher ground.
"Electrical appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines, were damaged, as well as cabinets, carpets and other small appliances.
"It's hard to estimate the amount of losses. I will have to see whether I can salvage some of these items," Kartini said.
Mustapa Abdul Rahman, 55, who was on his way to Kuala Lumpur, was informed that floodwaters were rising.
"I got a call at 4.30pm on Sunday, and when I reached home 30 minutes later, I could not do anything because the water had already damaged my furniture," he said while cleaning his house.
For Mohd Zamri Mat Nasir, 39, his family had to bear almost RM10,000 in losses following the flash floods.
The floods forced the family to abandon their Raya open house.
Klang Municipal Council (MPK) councillor Lee Sack Chuan said he had met the affected residents and asked them to fill a form identifying flood-prone areas. The forms will be submitted to the council for additional flood-mitigation works.
"MPK will look at the forms and decide on the next course of action."
The areas were flooded because of the closure of the tidal gate.
A Fire and Rescue Department operations control centre spokes-man said the affected areas were Taman Segambut Bahagia and Taman Kolam Ayer, Ampang.
"In Taman Segambut Bahagia, the rain started at 4.04pm and residents were unable to leave their homes."
He said the Hartamas Fire and Rescue Department despatched a rescue team and as at 7pm, it was still helping victims reach higher grounds.
"The team managed to save a three-month-old baby boy from drowning."
A rescue team was also sent to Taman Kolam Ayer and at 6.10pm, the search for victims had ended.
"The Sentul Fire and Rescue Department rescue team saved a pregnant woman and paramedics were at hand to assist other victims."
A spokesman from the Integrated Transport Information System said the floods had subsided.
Other roads affected by the floods were Kampung Kasipillay, Kampung Sg Penchala, Jalan Segambut Dalam, heading towards Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Tiong Nam, Jalan Durian, off Jalan Ipoh and Bukit Tunku.
At 7pm, the floods had subsided and traffic was smooth in the affected areas. Additional reporting by Elizabeth Zachariah
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