Flash floods strike several areas in Klang Valley

KUALA LUMPUR, March 7  -- Several major areas in the Klang Valley were flooded due to heavy rain for about an hour from 3 pm today.

The incident also caused dozens of cars to get stuck on the road, with some of them in a parking lot almost completely submerged.

Among the areas affected were Jalan Chan Show Lin, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Kia Peng, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Kuching and Jalan Raja Laut.

Following the incident, the SMART Tunnel was closed for flood operations.

The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) in a Facebook post informed that a relief centre had been opened at the Sultan Sulaiman Club Hall and policemen from the Chow Kit Police Station were currently assisting with evacuation work.

The heavy rain also affected the water level of several rivers around the Klang Valley, with Sungai Gombak (Jalan Tun Razak) exceeding the danger level; and Sungai Batu (Sentul), Sungai Klang (Sulaiman Bridge and Lebuh Pasar) and Sungai Gombak (Jalan Parlimen) exceeding the warning level.

"NADMA reminds the public to always take precautions, remain alert of the surrounding situation, and prioritise personal safety when floods occur," read the post.

Meanwhile, a Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department spokesman confirmed the authenticity of a 25-second viral video that showed several vehicles submerged in water due to flash floods in Jalan Kuchai Lama at about 4.15 pm this afternoon.

“We received dozens of emergency calls informing of flash floods in the Klang Valley. The Fire and Rescue Department will issue a statement in the near future, "he told Bernama.

In the viral video, several vehicles were seen stranded due to the road being flooded, resulting in traffic congestion.

-- BERNAMA