Computer simulations identify flood-prone areas

KUCHING, Oct 22: Flood forecasting planning must take into account climate change, extreme rainfall patterns and the ability of drainage systems to reduce flood risk in development areas.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that rainfall data should be supported by computer simulation to estimate the amount of water potential entering an area and identify flood risk locations.

"Climate change makes planning based on previous rainfall records more challenging because the weather is different than it was 100 years ago.

"That's why the Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Seri Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg always stressed that we need to use simulation. Based on 100 years of rainfall data, we can estimate the amount of water that will enter an area and identify flood-prone areas through computer simulation", he said.

He told reporters at the launch of the RTB project on New Stampin Road, Kuching, today.

Dr Sim said one of the important steps in flood management is to provide space for rainwater storage, including through construction of a detention pond before water is released into the parity system.

According to him, the upgraded leveling system needs to be supported by effective water flow management, especially as river water levels rise so that it prevents water flow from residential areas.

In related developments, he said, development of the Stampin area also includes circular road planning, new road access and potential use of state land for affordable housing development.

He said the Member of State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) for Sentosa City, Wilfred Yap, also raised the need for housing and parity systems in the area.

In addition, Dr Sim announced that the new site of Chung Hua National Type Secondary School (SMJK) No. 4 is planned in a larger area and closer to the population settlement.

He explained that the Sarawak Premier has provided compensation allocation for this purpose, while the proposed site is expected to be the new location of the school in the coming years. - TVS