By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Dec 2: An emergency meeting was convened this morning by Miri City Mayor Adam Yii to review the incidence of flash floods occurring at several locations across Miri last night.
Although the meeting concluded that the flash floods were partly due to the combination of high tide as well as long and heavy downpours from about 8 pm last night till about 2 am this morning, work will be underway to ensure drainage systems are in optimal condition.
Among the areas badly affected by flash flood were Taman Tunku, Pujut 1, Piasau Jaya, Piasau Link and Senadin.
“Miri City Council (MCC) has instructed the existing contractors to immediately inspect all the drainage under their respective contracts and to clear the drains immediately, especially in the badly affected areas, this is also to prepare for the coming landas season,” Yii said.
He also announced that MCC would have any required machinery on standby to perform the jobs when needed.
Yii’s visit to badly affected areas revealed that some drains were not up to standard and other factors preventing effective flood management included blockage from waste and refuse.
Residents were advised to keep drains clean and not treat them as their dump site, as the blocked drains would contribute to the flooding that would affect themselves and other areas.
“There were areas, bottle necks and choke points that were under the jurisdiction of Public Works Department (Miri) and the Drainage and Irrigation Department Miri Divisional office (DID) , therefore MCC will inform JKR and DID to perform their work so as to reduce the chance of flash floods,” he said.
“Miri City Council (MCC) will ensure that the drainage system under MCC would not be the major reason for the flash floods in Miri,” Yii assured. — DayakDaily
