IPOH: The extraordinary amount of rainwater during the current monsoon season is worrying as the rainwater retention system in Ipoh is only able to hold up to 200mm of water, says the Ipoh Mayor.

       Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said any more than 250mm would put certain areas in the city at risk of flash floods.

       “Previously, we recorded only under 100mm of rainwater, with 50mm already considered to be heavy rainfall.

       “We have been having more than 100mm of rainfall of late, including 134mm during the recent flash flood in Taman Cempaka,” he said after flagging off a flood alleviation convoy to Kuala Langat at the Gunung Lang Recreational Park here yesterday.

       Rumaizi said if there were some blockages in drains, the retention capability will be even less, adding that the retention system included its irrigation system, retention ponds and some rivers.

       “In Selangor, it is said that the amount of rainwater was about 380mm. If that was here, we would have been in a similar predicament. We hope and pray that the weather will not worsen,” he added.

       In Ipoh, two flash floods, in Taman Cempaka and Taman Suria, have been reported.

       Rumaizi said the city council will continue with its efforts to curb flash floods.

       “We received reports in October that the current monsoon season was expected to last until next February.

       “We have already cleared many major drains in the city and will continue doing so to ensure that these would be cleared of garbage to enable smoother flow,” he said.

       “We have informed our contractors to clean up the drainage system once a month, starting in December. We are also working with the Drainage and Irrigation Department to deepen some of the rivers here,” he added.

       On the flood alleviation team’s mission in Kuala Langat, Rumaizi said they would mainly help with clean-up work.

       “We are sending 10 personnel from our landscape department, two lorries and a boat to help out at Bukit Changgang.

       “If needs be, we will also help with relocating victims to temporary shelters,” he said, adding that the city council was answering the call by Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad to lend a hand to flood-hit states.

       “The team will be there for three days and we will send in another to replace them until the flashflood (situation) is resolved,” said Rumaizi.

       “We also plan to send a team and aid to Bentong, depending on the current situation,” he said.