The Star, Wednesday May 2, 2012 MYT 7:00:00 PM

Flash floods hit Ampang, Cheras, Kajang

KUALA LUMPUR: Flash floods hit parts of the Klang Valley Wednesday afternoon, leaving Ampang, Kajang and Cheras inundated, and uprooting trees in two separate incidents.

A Kajang Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said the more than an hour-long downpour in the district, beginning 1pm, caused the water-level to rise quickly to one metre due to clogged drains, thus affecting the town.

Firemen in two engines monitored the situation and carried out rescue work before the flood waters subsided about 4pm, and the rain was reduced to a drizzle, he told Bernama here.

Last December, flash floods caused by heavy rain had affected the town, resulting in shopkeepers experiencing heavy losses and damaging several cars and motorcycles.

Meanwhile, the Smart Tunnel was closed to traffic to activate the floodwater channelling system, according to the Malaysian Highway Authority in a statement here.

A Federal Territory Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said flash floods also occurred near the Salak Selatan police headquarters, with the floods reaching 1.5 metres, as of 2pm.

He said the floods were expected to subside gradually as the downpour was heavy.

"We have despatched firemen in two fire engines to monitor the situation and carry out rescue work," he added.

The spokesman said flash floods also struck a housing area in Kampung Tasek Permai when the water level began to rise to 0.4 metre since 2pm.

Meanwhile, four vehicles were damaged by an uprooted tree at the Sungai Besi roundabout.

Another case of an uprooted tree was reported at the Seri Johor Flats in Jalan Tun Razak but there was no damage to any vehicle. Both incidents were reported about 2.20pm. - Bernama