Investigative modelling of the flood bypass channel in Kuching, Sarawak, by assessing its impact on the inundations of Kuching-Batu Kawa-Bau Expressway

• Main Authors: Mah, Yau Seng, Lai, S.H., Chan, R.A.@R.B., Putuhena, F.J.
• Format: E-Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2012
• Subjects: TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/558/1/Investigative%20modelling%20of%20the%20flood%20bypass%20channel%20in%20Kuching-Batu%20Kawa-Bau%20Expressway.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/558/

Flood risks not only include loss of human lives and properties, but also the transportation and communication. One major road in Kuching, the Kuching-Batu Kawa-Bau Expressway is often flooded and interrupted by floodwaters from Sarawak River. The Sarawak State Government had announced to build a flood bypass channel in Sarawak River to mitigate flood under the Ninth Malaysian Plan. This paper is a study on the effects of the structure in the flooding of the mentioned road stretch. The January 2004 event which is locally known as a 100-year flood, was run through a developed river model incorporated with the bypass facilities. The model had indicated a reduction of 53% of flooded road. Similarly, modelling of 10 and 50-year design floods had predicted over 50% of reduction. The bypass channel was said to be able to alleviate the flooding on the major road stretch.