TAIPING: The main cause of flooding in the affected areas of Perak is the continuous heavy rainfall combined with the high tide.
State Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the existing drainage and irrigation systems could no longer accommodate the runoff, resulting in overflow.
"Hydrological data from the affected areas recorded a significant and continuous increase in rainfall over an extended period, with total rainfall exceeding 50mm.
"The rainfall recorded at several stations in the districts of Larut, Matang and Selama, and Kerian equalled or exceeded the average monthly rainfall for October — particularly at the Pondok Tanjung Station (244.5mm), Bukit Larut (136mm), and Sungai Kurau Batu 14 (174mm).
"The heavy and prolonged downpour that afternoon, coinciding with the high tide phenomenon, further worsened the situation in the districts of Kerian; Larut, Matang and Selama; as well as Manjung," he said.
He said that to reduce the risk and impact on residents in the affected districts, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage deployed two boats to assist in the rescue of flood victims.
"Continuous and periodic monitoring of flood-affected areas is being carried out, along with the immediate activation and installation of mobile pumps to reduce stagnant water in low-lying areas," he said.
He added that the state government also urged all parties, including local authorities and the local community, to work together to ensure that drainage systems remain clean and free from blockages caused by garbage or waste materials.
Meanwhile, Nizar said the release of water from the Bukit Merah Dam was necessary to maintain the dam's structural integrity and ensure public safety following continuous heavy rainfall since Wednesday.
He said prolonged downpours in the dam's upper catchment areas had caused a sharp rise in water levels.
"This prompted the Department of Irrigation and Drainage to initiate controlled water discharge in accordance with the dam's Standard Operating Procedure and Emergency Action Plan.
"Between 6pm and 9pm yesterday, the inflow rate surged from 61.8 cubic metres per second to 200 cubic metres per second, and remained high until the next morning.
"The dam's water level also rose from 28.65ft— the normal level — to 30.0ft, which is at the danger mark," he said in a statement today.
Nizar said the release was a necessary preventive measure to stabilise the dam after the inflow rate into the Bukit Merah reservoir became excessively high within a short period.
"The step was crucial to ensure the dam remains safe and continues to function optimally.
"It was carried out in line with standard procedures after taking into account both the inflow rate and dam safety factors," he added.
He said the state government would continue to monitor the downstream effects of the release and coordinate with the Kerian District Disaster Management Committee should there be any risk of flooding.
"The public is advised to stay alert and follow instructions from the authorities as the situation develops," he said.
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