MIRI, Nov 26: Prolonged heavy rain on Monday (Nov 25) caused flash floods in the heart of Miri City, leaving numerous areas submerged and disrupting traffic flow.
The continuous downpour, which began in the afternoon and persisted late into the night, overwhelmed the city’s drainage system. This led to widespread flooding across prominent roads and neighborhoods, including Wireless Walk, Jalan Bintang, Jalan Cina, Tanjong, and Luak.
Motorists faced significant challenges navigating the city, with many roads rendered impassable, especially for smaller vehicles. Social media platforms were quickly filled with videos and images shared by concerned residents, showcasing vehicles struggling to pass through submerged streets.
One of the most affected locations, Jalan Bintang, saw water levels rising rapidly, leaving shop owners scrambling to protect their goods from potential water damage. Similarly, Wireless Walk, a popular area for locals and tourists, turned into a waterlogged zone, forcing businesses to halt operations temporarily.
As of late Monday night, floodwaters had yet to recede in several areas, with frustrated residents expressing concerns about the city’s drainage infrastructure. Many attributed the severity of the flooding to the inadequate drainage systems, which failed to cope with the high volume of rain.
The Miri City Council has yet to issue an official statement regarding the situation. However, residents are urging authorities to take immediate steps to address the issue and prevent future occurrences.
This incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive review of Miri’s drainage systems to ensure the city can handle heavy rainfall more effectively.