UNUSUALLY heavy rains lasting two hours caused flash floods in the capital city today as the drainage system was unable to accommodate the high water flow capacity, Environment and Water Minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said today.

He said readings showed unusually heavy rainfall in Kuala Lumpur.

“The readings recorded at Taman Desa SMART Station, Kuala Lumpur showed 106.5mm of rain and the Air Panas Station, Kuala Lumpur, showed a reading of 155mm within two hours,” he said in a press conference at the SMART tunnel control centre.

He added the pump house, siren, reservoir ponds and flood diversions were in good working order.

He said that the SMART tunnel diversion was activated at 3.40pm, and its level was upgraded at 3.58pm and again at 4.44pm.

He advised KL folk to be careful and vigilant during heavy rain.

“If heavy rain and high tide occur simultaneously, they need to be prepared to move to a safe place,” said Tuan Ibrahim

He said that all flood prevention projects in the city, including one at Sungai Bunus and another near the PDRM training centre, are expected to be completed in 2024.

“We experienced a delay due to some issues with our previous contractor,” he said.

A downpour earlier today caused flash floods in several parts of the capital city.

Viral photos show cars stuck in flooded roads and car parks.

Early reports said Jalan Kuchai Lama was badly affected, with several roads cut off by rising water. Jalan Pinang was also flooded.

Among affected areas were the Tabung Haji tunnel, Jalan Chan Sow Lin tunnel, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Pahang, Jalan Sri Permaisuri and Jalan Tun Razak.

As of 4.45pm, the water level in the city has been categorised as dangerous.

A thunderstorm is expected to continue till 10pm. – March 7, 2022.