Govt told to be better prepared for downpours

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One of the areas hit by flash flood in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government should be better prepared for heavy rainfalls in future to prevent the occurrence of flash floods, said Likas assemblyman Junz Wong.

He said Kota Kinabalu City, including Likas, Luyang, Api Api, Putatan, Donggongon and Inanam areas had suffered badly from flash floods yesterday due to the sudden heavy downpour which last for a few hours.

The flash floods also damaged many household electrical appliances and cars.

Accidents also happened as the drivers could not see the flood-covered roads.

“According to our research, the average daily precipitation rating (rainfall) in Kota Kinabalu is 10mm. Today’s sudden downpour is 16mm and thus causing flash floods. In view of this unforeseen event, the government cannot be entirely blamed for this unfortunate event,” Junz explained.

“However, the Sabah State Government must quickly set up a team to do comprehensive studies on how to build a better drainage and catchment system to cope with bigger rainfalls in the future, especially during the monsoon season. We must take this as a lesson to learn to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” he said.