Flash floods in Kuching, Malaysia following 300 mm (nearly 1 foot) of rain in 24 hours

Richard Davies
Floodlist
Mon, 29 Feb 2016 13:51 UTC

© Bomba Malaysia

Floods in Kuching

Heavy rainfall in Malaysia has caused the third wave of flooding in the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo.

A torrential downpour that began early on Saturday 27 February caused severe flooding in and some landslides in the district of Serian. Other areas affected included Padawan, Penrissen and Bau-Lundu.

The state's capital city, Kuching, was also badly affected, with some streets under 70 cm of water at the peak of the floods.

Local media say that much as 300 mm of rain fell in Kuching in 24 hours between 27 and 28 February, 2016. The city's drainage system is designed for a maximum of 180 mm of rain and was unable to cope. However, much of the flood water had subsided by late morning of Sunday 28 February.

Local media said that at one point 631 people had evacuated their homes and were staying in two flood evacuation centres. Malaysia disaster management authorities say that the number of displaced people has since dropped to 60.

No deaths or injuries have been reported.