Flood embankment breach repaired, water pumps restored within two days

Efforts are underway to repair a breached embankment along the Sungai Langat in Selangor, Malaysia, and to deploy mobile pumps to drain floodwaters. The temporary fixes are expected to be completed within two days, aiming to alleviate flooding in Kampung Rancangan Tanah Belia (RTB) Bukit Changgang.

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We will first close the broken section with soil and rocks, then I will ask for sheet piles to be added to the front to protect against the current. Because the broken embankment is located on a bend where the river current is stronger. We will protect the area of the embankment and then install the SPS panels. Then I advise that after installation, the backfill should be done immediately.

The breach occurred along approximately 50 meters of the embankment, which was undergoing reinforcement. New precast concrete panels have arrived to strengthen a 150-meter section. The immediate plan involves temporarily sealing the breach with soil and rocks, followed by protective sheet piling against the current, as the location is on a sharp river bend with strong water flow.

This breach has led to rising water levels in the village, with main roads submerged. The Sungai Langat is currently at a warning level of 4.18 meters. As a result, 502 victims from 224 families have been relocated to a temporary evacuation center at Sekolah Kebangsaan RTB Bukit Changgang.

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We found that intruders cut the fence and stole the cables there. The cables were not long but there were many, causing the screw pump to malfunction. However, new cables have arrived and the damage will be repaired.

Adding to the challenges, flood pumps were rendered inoperable due to the theft of cables from a water lock system. Authorities discovered that intruders cut through a fence to steal the cables. While new cables have arrived for repair, the incident has prompted discussions with the police about preventing future cable theft, with the potential installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at water lock sites being considered. The overall embankment reinforcement project is scheduled for completion in January next year, with a budget of RM4 million.

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We will discuss with the Selangor police so that action can be taken to prevent cable theft. Among the suggestions being considered is to install closed-circuit cameras in the area of the water lock.