Flash flood disrupts Umno General Assembly, cars stranded at WTCKL

KUALA LUMPUR - An intense evening of heavy rain turned the Umno General Assembly at the World Trade Centre (WTCKL), here, into a chaotic scene as floodwaters surged, leaving cars partially submerged and visitors scrambling to save their vehicles.

The flash flood was believed to be due to the overflowing of nearby Sungai Batu following the heavy downpour which began at about 4pm.

By 6pm, the flooding had worsened, particularly in the Hentian Putra parking area, where several cars were left partially submerged in rising water.

Visitors and authorities joined forces to push stranded vehicles into higher ground in an effort to save them from further damage.

Official figures of affected cars have yet to be released.

Inside WTCKL, an emergency announcement echoed through the halls, alerting attendees to the flood situation outside.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is a call from WTC Kuala Lumpur Control Centre. Warning, the water level at the river (Sungai Batu) has exceeded the warning level. Staff and visitors are requested to be prepared to move your vehicles. Further announcements will be made," it said.

As the evening progressed, traffic in and around WTCKL became increasingly congested as vehicles struggled through flooded streets.

The situation, however, was under control at about 7.30pm.

Earlier today, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) had issued a warning, forecasting severe weather across several states, including Kuala Lumpur.

According to their statement, thunderstorms and heavy rain were expected to persist until 9pm, with rainfall intensity potentially exceeding 20 mm per hour.

"A warning is issued when there are signs of thunderstorms with rainfall intensity exceeding 20 mm per hour that are expected to last for over an hour.

“Thunderstorm warnings are short-term alerts valid for no more than six hours per issuance," METMalaysia said on its official Facebook page.